Hi there! This is just a quick post to say Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. I am so grateful for your support and honored that you are reading my blog and making my recipes. I’m looking forward to the New Year and excited to bring new inspiration, courage and adventure into my life and my work. In the meantime, here’s a festive cocktail to celebrate the winter season and the new year. The juniper berries are fragrant and taste like the holidays while the lemon and ginger create a brightness and warmth. The syrup is great with sparkling water or sparkling wine. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyous year ahead. XO

JUNIPER, LEMON AND GINGER SPRITZER

Serves 6

2 tablespoons juniper berries

1 cup water

1/2 cup cane sugar

1  lemon

1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

Soda water

Sparkling wine

Candied lemon peel and juniper berries to garnish

PROCEDURE

Crush the juniper berries in a mortar and pestle. Using a small knife or vegetable peeler, peel 4 to 5 large strips of zest from the lemon.  Combine the crushed berries, water, sugar, lemon peel, and ginger in a small pot and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until reduced by half. Remove from the heat and allow to steep for another 15 to 30 minutes. Strain the syrup, discarding the berries, zest and ginger.

To assemble the cocktail, pour 3 tablespoons of the syrup into a glass. Top with soda water or sparkling wine and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.Garnish with candied lemon peel and a few juniper berries.