Yes, it did snow yesterday but, technically speaking, spring is officially here. For Kirsten Amann, a founding member of Boston’s chapter of Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (LUPEC) it’s one of the best times for fun, seasonal beverages. “There’s just something about the energy of the season with new buds sprouting and sunshine and temperatures rising” she says. “The minute patios start to open, forget it, if I’m drinking wine I’ll drink rose all the way, sometimes all day.” But what about equinox-appropriate cocktails? For her vernal drinking, she likes to incorporate the burgeoning bounty of herbs to give her drinks a hint of spring. Here’s what she recommends when it comes to the herbaceous cocktail concoctions she’s drinking from coast to coast in celebration of the new season:
For cocktails a stalwart favorite of mine is the Sherry Julep on the menu at Toro created by Courtney Bissonnette, Beverage Director and LUPEC Boston member emeritus. Courtney has been mixing great cocktails with sherry for years, a trend that is finally taking root among bartenders. The Sherry Julep is minty and delicious, and features Pale Cream Sherry and Cava, two of my favorite things.
A recent work trip took me to San Francisco, where it’s pretty much spring all year long from what I can tell. While at Bourbon & Branch, an awesome speakeasy out there, bartender Darren Crawford mixed me up a drink called the Black Rose which I totally loved. It features muddled rosemary, gin & black pepper and was slightly savory and 100% delicious. I will definitely be drinking that this summer and you should too. If you happen to be in SF, go see Darren and ask for one. Or, give it a go at home.
Black Rose
A few sprigs rosemary
2 oz. gin
0.75 oz. Lemon Juice
0.5 oz. Honey Syrup
1 dash Black Pepper Tincture
Gently muddle the rosemary with honey in a mixing glass. Add other ingredients and shake. Serve on the rocks in an Old Fashioned Glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Regardless of where you’re sipping – the South End, the City by the Bay, the couch – sip springily. Cin-cin!
