Cilantro + Mint Margaritas

We recently bought this cheapo grill that we have been using all spring and plan to continue abusing all the way into the summer. This Saturday, we made some delicious Fajita Steak Kabobs to throw on it, and while we were waiting for those to sizzle, we mixed up some delicious Cilantro + Mint Margaritas. Enjoy!

Cilantro + Mint Margarita

6-8 cilantro leaves (torn)
6-8 mint leaves (torn)
1/4oz Agave Nectar
3/4oz Cointreau
1 1/2oz decent Gold tequila
Juice of one medium lime (approximately 2oz)

In a shaker can, add all ingredients and stir with barspoon to incorporate agave nectar. Add ice, seal, and shake vigorously until frothy. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

Tudor Rose Cocktail

I've been mildly obsessed with floral things and spring in general. I've also been pondering the idea of our own little hen-house in the yard, but before I'm granted clearance, I have to find viable uses for the number of eggs we'd have on hand! Introducing the Tudor Rose cocktail.

Tudor Rose Cocktail

1.5oz Rose-infused vodka (recipe follows)

1/2oz Campari

1/2oz St. Germain Liqueur

1/2oz good Grenadine

1 fresh egg white

Add ice and water to a coupe glass to chill. In a Boston shaker can, combine all ingredients except egg white. Add ice, and stir vigorously to cool. Strain into shaker pint, and discard ice. In the cool shaker can, add egg white, and agitate with barspoon to break down major proteins and begin the whipping process. DO NOT ADD ICE, we are conducting a reverse dry-shake! Add remaining drink ingredients, seal, and shake vigorously until drink is frothy. Pour into chilled cocktail coupe and serve immediately. 

The roses are from my neighbors' house.

Rose-Infused Vodka

1/4cup fresh fragrant rose petals

1 cup decent vodka

In a mason jar, bruise petals with muddler to express oils, add vodka, and stir. Seal, and let to steep in a cool dark place for 2 days, agitating occasionally. Strain petals before after 2 days, as they will begin to become tannic. 

Come Fly With Me

Today Alan and I ventured to Inglewood Farm for their weekly Saturday market, and what did we discover but a bumper crop of gorgeously juicy Meyer lemons. Tonight before dinner as we were listening to some old Sinatra, we decided to fix something that reminded us of the slightly hazy winter sky and the fresh, floral flavor of that tantalizing citrus.

The Aviation Cocktail

Combine together in a shaker:

1.5oz Gin

1.5oz Fresh-squeezed lemon juice 

3/4oz Maraschino Liqueur

1/2oz Creme de Violette Liqueur

Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into chilled coupe glass. Rim glass with a lemon twist.