Who said they hate gin? Well, me. That was until Hendricks came into my life, which I have my lovely (and super fit) friend Amanda to thank for.
I know you all think that gin is for grandmas and smells and taste like pine trees but I assure you that Hendricks will change your mind. This gin is floral and herby with notes of juniper berries, corriander and citrus peel. See, no pine trees here!
We created this cocktail with the changing of seasons in mind. We wanted something fresh to remind us of how wonderful summer was, but warm and herbatious to welcome in fall. Oh, and how pretty is this cocktail?!? I would definitly serve this at any wedding, bridal shower, brunch, or baby shower, for the non-expecting guests of course.
So go be brave and give gin another try. I know I have already made a few new believers, including myself!
Grapefruit Thyme Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
4 ounces gin (we use Hendricks)
4 ounces fresh ruby red grapefruit juice
6 sprigs of fresh thyme
1-1/2 ounces honey simple syrup
In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Add ice and shake vigorously until the shaker is frosty. Strain into 2 ice filled glasses and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme. Makes 2 cocktails.
We rounded up the last of the fresh figs we could find and made this boozy brunch, with a little help from my favorite friend, Trader Joe's.
While the bourbon for breakfast should be the hero of this post I have to start with the Toasted Coconut Pancakes. I really think I hit gold with these! If you know me I'm an egg and toast kind of girl but these pancakes are so good you can basically eat them like a cookie. To make them, you only need to add water! Oh, how I so love you Trader Joe's for making my weekends sweet and simple.
Now on to the boozy part. The bourbon fig compote is the perfect amount of sticky sweet and booze. While we were pouring it over those amazing pancakes, I completely intend to eat the rest of it with a creamy brie cheese and loaf of french bread.
The coffee cocktail that Greg created will be sure to wake you up and give you a nice little buzz. The chocolate bitters is my favorite part. It makes it not too sweet and super easy to drink.
So as my Dad says, "Relax a little and enjoy!"
Bourbon Fig Compote and Coconut Pancakes
Ingredients
Trader Joe's Toasted Coconut Pancake Mix (or your favorite pancake mix)
2 cups fresh figs, quartered
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
Pinch of salt
Make your pancakes according the package. Set aside.
Place the figs, honey and brown sugar in a medium sauce pan. Over low heat melt the brown sugar and honey. Stir frequently. Cook the compote for about 10-15 more minutes bringing the mixture to a simmer, breaking up the figs a bit. Add the bourbon and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and stir. Serve over pancakes immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Makes 1-1/2 cups.
Bourbon Coffee Cocktail
Ingredients
1-1/2 ounce bourbon
1/2 ounce Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
2 dashes chocolate bitters
Cold brew coffee
Pour the bourbon, Kahlua and the chocolate bitters into an ice filled rocks glass. Top with cold brew coffee. Stir and enjoy! Makes one cocktail.
If you live in California you know summer is not over and "Winter is (not) coming." Thanks to the people over at the 21st Amendment Brewery we were inspired to make this never ending summer cocktail.
Their watermelon wheat beer is refreshing with subtle sweet fruity notes. It's summer in a glass. Combined with vodka and Grand Marnier, you get a drink that is extremely easy (maybe too easy) to drink making all of Kings Landing thankful Winter has not come.
Watermelon Beer Cocktail
Ingredients
3/4 ounce vodka
3/4 ounce Grand Marnier
Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer
Orange peel for garnish
In a tall glass filled with ice, pour in the vodka and Grand Marnier. Top with the watermelon beer and garnish with an orange peel. Makes one cocktail.
I know you all think that gin is for grandmas and smells and taste like pine trees but I assure you that Hendricks will change your mind. This gin is floral and herby with notes of juniper berries, corriander and citrus peel. See, no pine trees here! 
