I Time for June's Crazy Ingredient Challenge!
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The theme for this month is pineapples and rosemary. When the ingredients were revealed I immediately thought of a drink. Rosemary is a strong flavor, but I thought pineapple was bold enough to meet it halfway. I decided the best thing for my drink was to make a syrup with the rosemary. I used a standard base for the syrup and let the rosemary sit in the warm syrup to get as much flavor as possible from the herb. I picked vodka for my poison because it has a very neutral flavor and, I wanted to focus on the flavors of the challenge ingredients. To my drink, I added a little pineapple juice and served the finished product chilled over the rocks.
The verdict on this odd couple? Sooooooo yummy! The pineapple and rosemary were great together and the syrup mellowed the rosemary just enough to leave a light flavor with the pineapple juice. I would make this again in a second, and can't wait to share it with my herby drink loving friends!
Today, I am heading to the farmer's market with my mom and Kellen to grab some veggies. This afternoon I need to devote to some laundry (blah), but my friend Amanda and her kids are coming in the evening for a trip to the Wildlife Sanctuary and then out for tacos. Amanda is in the State Assembly and is a busy lady/mom. I have known her for years and adore her, and always get excited when we get to spend time together. Now that we both have kids it is fun to include them in our adventures!
If you are interested in joining our challenge, stop over to Dawn of Spatulas on Parade to say hello and to get more information. I am excited to see what everyone else made, and what next month will bring!
Ingredients
rosemary syrup:
2 springs of fresh rosemary
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1 cup vodka
3 cups pineapple juice
Ice
Instructions
To make the syrup: combine all ingredients on the stove top and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat cover and allow the syrup to sit 15-20 minutes. Strain and allow it to completely cool.
Mix together the syrup, vodka and juice. Fill 4 pint glasses with ice and pour the drink over the ice. Garnish with fresh pineapple or rosemary if desired.
I had a similar thought about a cocktail but since my health will not allow alcohol I couldn't give it a try, but it sounds so good, especially on a hot weekend like this! Temps over 100 here on the East coast.
ReplyDeleteHave fun visiting your friend and while folding laundry, crank up the music and make it a party!
Oh yummy!!! This would make a great martini too! Great use of the ingredients.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, using the rosemary in the simple syrup. Kudos.
ReplyDeleteMmmm! After one or two of these Mommy would be happy happy happy!
ReplyDeleteLooks like we had a similar idea! Your cocktail is beautiful and I can't wait to give it a try - in a few months.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a refreshing cocktail!
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect drink. I loved the flavour of the pineapple and rosemary together in a drink.
ReplyDelete