This cocktail simply says Christmas. The gorgeous colors are the first cue and perfect for my color wheel. If you know me I’m so not into yellow, orange or the orangish red that is so often used for holiday decor. Color me burgundy or not at all! I might have mentioned this to a friend when he found out that my birthday is in December; how there is nothing worse than a gift of a red ornament that is presented to me for a birthday present. Which led to the promise of that being exactly what I will get. Aw Sam, you help me bring my tree and boxes of decorations up from the basement and I will be thankful for the thought. (Then take it to the next ornament exchange party I’m invited to!).
Maybe there is. For this cocktail I used Nolet’s Silver Gin. This floral and fruit-forward gin expresses the essence of three coveted ingredients: Turkish rose, peach and raspberry. The juniper is not as present as is typical in gin so I thought perfect for a cocktail combining rosemary and pomegranate and it was; the evergreen did not completely take over the finished result.
I hear from so many people when I do a gin cocktail questioning if they can use vodka instead. Poor gin; did something happen in their first cocktail (or probably more boozing) experience to turn them away from a really delightful libation? As I delve further into cocktail making I’m learning too. I’ve been true to one delicious brand for many years but as I’ve been offered new opportunities it is fun to see just how unique each brand is. All are joined together by the use of juniper but beyond that the other botanicals can make a real difference in the end result. Combined with the right ingredients it makes a terrific cocktail; it’s not just for gin and tonic anymore!
Still for this cocktail; it’s that juniper that makes it SO perfect for the holiday. Combined with a rosemary simple syrup, it’s not just that first scent that does it; the taste clearly has those elements; tempered with some lemon, sugar and a small dose of pomegranate juice for both color and taste; I love the juxtaposition of tart, sweet and pine. This cocktail is truly quintessential Christmas. Ask my neighbor Kevin; he has personal experience. I make cocktails for this series at all times of day; often predicated by other parts of my schedule and yesterday it was by the fact that I was without rosemary. REALLY? While everyone else spent weeks moaning about the change away from Daylight Savings, I’ve missed getting fresh rosemary and basil from my backyard more than I’ve missed daylight!
A never quick run to the grocery store and it was 7:30pm before I was finished with the crafting and photography for this gorgeous drink and with three on hand I hated to just pour them down the drain; after all Nolet’s is a premium gin. I’ve found some willing friends that live a couple of houses up the street that don’t mind an evening call for a cocktail. With four kids I know their evening time is precious but I made that cocktail and Kevin was down in his robe within minutes with a pitcher in hand. That’s my boy!
I’ve mentioned before but will probably many times again how much I love the people on my new street; Sam who came to help me haul up Christmas stuff and invited me to his girls ballet recital this weekend. Rick who will come over at the drop of a hat to help me with something simple since my bum knee and ladders just are not that compatible. Rick and Casey both came over to help when my outside spigot froze and how Casey’s little blowtorch gave me a GREAT idea for creme brulee! Sounds like Kevin has the best role but you know I just hate wasting good booze! Love them, their wives and their kids. We’re even planning a holiday party at my home and yes, of course these will be served! Happy Holidays and Cheers!
Need more Holiday Cocktail ideas? I gathered some together last year; all my favorites in one post!
- ¼ cup gin
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp rosemary simple syrup (1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 1 sprig rosemary. Boil water until sugar dissolves, remove from heat, add rosemary and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Remove rosemary and refrigerate simple syrup)
- 2 Tbsp pomegranate juice
- Club soda, chilled
- Rosemary sprigs and pomegranate arils for garnish
- Mix gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and pomegranate juice in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously 10-12 times then pour over ice in a lowball glass
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a large spoonful of pomegranate arils!
