A beachside refresherThis place is one of those scarily-proportioned planned “towns” that seem to spring up out of the swamp land as if by magic. What I mean by scary is just the absolute perfectness about it all; it’s so self-contained and pristinely designed that it just doesn’t seem real.
And, in keeping with the Mediterranean theme of the architecture, there are rosemary bushes springing up everywhere. I don’t think that rosemary would grow here as a native plant, but it does seem to thrive in this climate, because the plants seem to grow into large hedgerows.
Rosemary might just be my favorite herb and every spring I put out numerous small plants in my garden. I always hope that one or two of them will make it through the winter, but so far that hasn’t happened.
Seeing them casually growing here to the size of happy Great Danes kind of overwhelms me. I’m starting to feel like cooking something. Or maybe I’m just thirsty.
We came up with this refreshing cocktail recipe while lounging on the beach yesterday. It’s pretty good. Might be just about time for another!
Rosemary Lemon-Ginger Vodka Spritzers
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
ΒΌ cup peeled, chopped fresh ginger
2 large springs rosemary, plus more to garnish
Pinch of fine sea salt (seems weird, but it really makes the syrup pop with flavor)
Fresh lemons, halved
Ice cold vodka
Chilled sparkling water
To make a drink, squeeze fresh lemon juice to taste into a glass filled with ice. Pour in 2 ounces vodka and about 1 tablespoon syrup. Top off with the sparkling water. Take a sip, and add more syrup if you like. Add a rosemary spring for garnish. Cheers!
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Emiline
April 24, 20081:20 pm
Cheers! Looks great.
Enjoy your time at the beach.
jennyonthespot
April 24, 20082:18 pm
Oh my… that looks absolutely delightful… oh yes…
Foodaholic
April 24, 20083:00 pm
Oh that’s a perfect twist on lemonade. Delicious!
RecipeGirl
April 24, 20084:54 pm
Heck- I don’t need the beach. I’ve got bunches of the stuff in my backyard. Looks really yummy.
I had something similar in a martini recently.
amy
April 24, 20085:39 pm
I read somewhere that you can make ginger last longer by peeling & stashing it in a jar of vodka. when you cook the ginger the vodka flavor goes away, but the vodka itself becomes gingery…this seems like a good way to use the ginger vodka!
Ms. Glaze
April 24, 20088:55 pm
Sounds divine. I haven’t had a proper cocktail in months (they just don’t make ‘em right here in loverly Paris). Super refreshing… and relaxing.
Karen
April 25, 20087:23 am
Thanks, Emiline. It’s been soooo great.
Jenny, yes, this drink does have that effect.
Foodaholic, I think that idea is what got us started on this recipe. Nothing like some spiked lemonade to quench the thirst!
Recipegirl – lucky you! I’m a teeny bit jealous of that. The air must smell great in your background.
Amy, yes! that’s such a great idea. I’ll have to steep some ginger when we get home.
Ms. Glaze. Non! I can’t believe that. What did Hemingway drink in Paris? Or then again maybe it’s because of all the great wine there.
Proud Italian Cook
April 25, 20089:36 pm
Not only does it look beautiful,it sounds divine! I love the ginger in it. Have a great vacation! Cin Cin!!
Lisa (Show Me Vegan)
April 25, 200810:54 pm
That sounds very refreshing- just right for a beach drink.
maine626
April 26, 200810:39 am
i’ll have two – it’s been a long week. you’ll come right over right?
EAT!
April 26, 20081:39 pm
I have been seeing lots of drink recipes with rosemary lately. It is time to give one a try. This looks like the one.
Pink
April 27, 20083:25 pm
One word: yes!
Kristen
April 27, 20086:00 pm
What a life… and with one of these in hand, it would be even better!
Dr. Food
April 27, 20089:05 pm
I can’t wait to try this with my promising rosemary crop this year–how inventive.
Sarah
April 28, 20086:37 am
These look amazing! I cannot imagine living in a place where rosemary grows so freely…sounds like heaven!
Grant
April 28, 200811:15 am
I love herbs in cocktails! I’ve done a drink similar to this but I love the idea of also using ginger and sparkling water. Sounds so good!
Deborah Dowd
May 1, 20087:36 pm
This looks so yummy and refreshing- the beach is a place of inspiration…Enjoy!!
cheesemongerswife
May 7, 20083:19 pm
It is so strange that you came up with this! We have been doing our own experiments.
Simon does an AMAZING rosemary and pineapple martini. We make our own rosemary infused vodka when we have a plethora left over. We also are tinkering with fennel and tarragon….
Mango Power Girl
May 9, 20083:32 pm
Wow! That’s refreshing…something else to try with all the lovely rosemary I got from my friend along with this link!!
Authentic Italian Cuisine Blog
May 26, 20095:33 pm
I never thought of that combination it sounds excellent
Regards
David Moretti
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