My last travels abroad (pre-pandemic and six months pregnant) were to the English Countryside in June of 2019. The trip was part of another creative retreat that I co-hosted alongside my dear friend, Joy Proctor. We brought an intimate group to the Cotswolds, posting up at the idyllic Georgian manor, Norton Hall. To welcome our guests in style, we worked closely with the local chefs at Eat Five Star to create a flowering dinner party, filled with hints of the lush and bountiful countryside.
Embracing the spirit of the region, each of our guests were greeted with this classic British cocktail. While I wasn’t able to indulge in the delightful libation at the time, I have since recreated it at home using ingredients plucked fresh from the garden for a go-to summer sip. I hope you enjoy it. Cheers!
Botanical Gin Cocktail
*Yields one cocktail
Ingredients:
1 English Cucumber
1 1/2 Oz Dry Gin, we used Cotswolds Gin
1 Oz Elderflower Liqueur,we used St Germain
1 Oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
Ice
Garnish:
1 Cucumber Ribbon, a vegetable peeler works best!
Fresh Mint
Fresh Sprig of Lavender
*Optional, Splash of Soda Water
Recipe:
Cut your cucumber in half. Slice the first half into thin rounds. Reserve the second half for the cucumber ribbon garnish.
Place a few cucumber rounds and some fresh mint into a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle to release the flavors. Add in the gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh squeezed lime juice and ice. Give it a good shake and pour it into your glass. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon (or slices), fresh mint and a sprig of lavender. If you like your drinks to sparkle, add a splash of soda water.
Recipe is a rendition from our friends at Eat Five Star. Photo by Catherine Mead.
Leave a Reply