Take inspiration from the green-fingered brigade who have been showing off their creativity at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week and add some petal-power to your cocktails.
Your garnish is a good place to start. Edible flowers such as nasturtiums, violets, borage, marigolds and lavender florets add colour, interest and an instant summer in a glass feel to cocktails. Not all cocktails mind. You wouldn’t want to prissy up a Manhattan or Martini with anything other than a twist of citrus, but a long, cool and refreshing Collins or even something fragrant and flirty like a Cosmo say? Now that’s another matter entirely.
For a good selection of decorative petals visit www.uncleroys.co.uk
For ideas on how to grow your own visit www.theedibleflowershop.co.uk
You can also add a floral flourish to your drinks using syrups and liqueurs. Play around with the rose, elderflower, woodruff and violet syrups in the Giffard range. Simply pour into a glass and top up with something fizzy – with or without alcohol, or if you’re feeling adventurous, mix into a cocktail, see recipes below.
And if you’re quick, there’s still time to book into the Edible Garden at Belgraves. Until Friday 25th May its transformed terrace will hold interactive cocktail classes and complimentary food and flower pairing tutorials.
For details and bookings email restaurantbelgraves@thompsonhotel.com
Recipe for Angelique:
10ml Giffard elderflower syrup
20ml rhubarb liqueur
20ml gin
20ml Aperol
20ml fresh lemon juice
Method:
Shake all ingredients over ice. Pour into chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with a lemon twist.
This week we’re loving…
The fact that it’s another Bank Holiday weekend. Get yours off to the perfect start at The Gin Garden Bombay Sapphire Botanical Experience with daily Gin Botanical Perfume Sessions (£35) and Ultimate Gin & Tonic Masterclasses (£25). At the Hoxton Hotel, east London, running 24th-31st May.
Bookings on www.gingarden.com
Written for The Independent Dish of the Day blog 23/5/2013
