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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Makin' It With Maren - "Beat the Heat" Summer Cocktail Recipe for 4th of July




Last week was insanely hot. I was miserable inside my radiator of an apartment, so I decided to make the most of my Sunday and head to the Farmer's Market for seasonal inspiration. While the sun followed my every move, the slightly overcast sky kept the weather bearable (considering LA was supposed to hit record high temperatures on that particular day).


I purchased a big container of apricots and some unique looking wildflowers that caught my eye. Hmmm, what could I make with apricots?

After we noshed on a Rueben sandwich at Michael Voltaggio's nearby Ink Sack, my boyfriend and I head to Trader Joe's to grab our weekend groceries. Directly to the left of the TJ's entrance you will find a vast selection of affordably priced bouquets, which, to my delight showcased fresh lavender.


Once we returned home, I was greeted by the two-faced neighbor cat. She posed for my camera and then scurried off.


I unloaded our groceries and decided to take a risk. Fuse flowers with fruit - why not?! I boiled half sugar and water, some of the lavender and some lemon rind to create a infused simple syrup. After the syrup cooled, I added it to some muddled apricot and blueberries.

I then added brandy, ice and a sparkling soda topper to create what I call: Beat the Heat. And, boy did it ever. I took my cold, fruit-infused cocktail and enjoyed it to the outdoor patio. I could smell the lavender garnish as I sipped my drink. Yum.


This cocktail will be great for your 4th of July! Blueberries and apricots are in season, so pick them up and make the perfect fourth of July cool-down cocktail!

Ingredients: Apricots, Blueberries, Brandy, Lemon, Lavendar, Soda Water, Ice

Mix: Muddle 1 apricot (pit removed) and 5 blueberries. Add 2oz of brandy, 3/4oz lemon-lavender simple syrup (see recipe below), ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice and top with sparkling water. Give a quic stir and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs.

Lemon-Lavender Simple Syrup:
Boil equal parts (1 cup) sugar and water with the peels of 2 lemons and 5 sprigs of washed lavender. Once cool, strain into airtight contair and keep for future use.

Cheers,

Maren


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