Have you ever noticed a trend that you wish you were cool enough for, but you know you just can’t pull it off? I have a secret love of dressy jumpsuits, especially after watching Maggie Gyllenhaal in The Honourable Woman. I just don’t think I could go out in public and have people actually believe that I’m sophisticated enough to be walking around with my pants and my top sewn together.
Another trend I’ve been trying to get into is herbs in cocktails. My problem with trendy cocktails is that I have a serious sweet tooth, and I’m extremely bitter averse. I’ve found a lovely little cocktail with a hint of sweetness and a fresh, earthy herbal hit that doesn’t make you feel like you’re drinking a salad or an incense stick.
This Lemongrass Gin Cocktail also features mint, lime, and ginger in the flavor profile. We make just enough simple syrup for one drink and steep and muddle our herbs in it before adding it to the gin, lime juice, and ginger ale. The best part is that a lemongrass stalk makes the perfect stirring stick to keep all those flavors happily married.
If I’m cool enough for herbs in cocktails, what else am I cool enough for? Try something new. It’s easier after you’ve had a drink.
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- 1 ounce just boiled water
- 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
- 2-3 fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Ice
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 ounces ginger ale
- Lemongrass stalk and lime slices, option, for garnish
- In a heatproof mug or measuring cup, add sugar, lemongrass, mint, and ground ginger. Pour your freshly boiled water over this and stir until sugar is dissolved. Use a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon to smash up the herbs in the syrup to help it infuse.
- Add ice to your glass and pour in gin and lime juice. Pour your lemongrass syrup through a strainer into your glass, then top up with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a lemongrass stalk, lime slices, and a sprig of mint.
