Not Your Daddy’s Gin & Tonic

Guest blog post from my sippin' sister, Linda.

This is my first time doing a guest post (after being a devoted reader), but I was compelled to write about the buzz surrounding what some may consider an 'old school' spirit. I’m no certified expert, but gin is back and in a big way (or, at the very least seems to be popping up everywhere these days).

Confession: I've always loved a good gin and tonic. However, recently, I tasted an absolutely fantastic cocktail which blends gin with another ingredient that turned out to be equally as refereshing as my old standby –- strawberries (Martini Talk called it earlier this summer -- this fruit is hot)!

Maybe it was the beautiful night under the stars, maybe it was the picturesque location (outdoors by the lily pool), but at a recent Brooklyn Botanic Garden benefit, the bartenders were mixing a signature cocktail (courtesy of Hendrick’s Gin) that simply hit the spot and had me dreaming of the start of summer!

Light and refreshing without being too sweet. It’s a crowd pleaser perfect for your next outdoor party!

Enjoy and happy sipping!!!!
-- LDV

Playful Perennial Punch
(serves 4)
3 oz Hendrick's Gin
2 oz Lillet Blanc
4 med strawberries
1 oz fresh strained lime juice
1.5oz Raspberry Zinger syrup (2 bags: 4oz H20; 4 oz sugar)

Muddle strawberries and syrup. Add Ice, shake with vigor and double strain into a punch bowl with an ice block inside*. Top with 4oz sparkling wine and 4oz Sparkling Water. Garnish with thin peach slices and the freshest edible flowers.

*Take a quart container or jell-o mold, fill it with filtered water and freeze overnight. Pour a little warm water over the outside of the mold just before service to release the ice.