The Muddler

I think this recipe’s title needs some explanation.

I am still working on only print recipes for inspiration, i.e. I am referring to my horde of cookbooks and my vast collection of magazines.   Not only do I subscribe to a number of publications (mostly foodie ones), but I also have quite a few Gourmet magazines around (like a whole dresser full) that I refuse to get rid of.   Some date back to the 90s.

I had seen a lot of cherry-inspired cocktails in the May, June, and July editions of some of my favorites.    After all the work on our pergola, The Hubs sometimes needs a cocktail to  “admire the job site.”

This recipe is based on Sour-Cherry Gin Smash from the June 2013 Country Living.    I didn’t have sour cherries, but I did have fourteen pounds of dark sweet cherries in the freezer.   (Yes, it is another blueberry type saga.)

Sorry, I am long-winded; I promised you an explanation for this recipe’s name.    After making a cocktail for The Hubs, I asked him what he would call it.   He took a sip and asked, “Did you muddle the cherries?”

“Yes, I did.”

“You finally used the muddler you bought at Williams-Sonoma how many years ago?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Then,  I crown this cocktail ‘The Muddler.'”

(I think at this point I realized the tool was called a pestle, but that seemed like a moot point to make.)

The Muddler  or Dark Sweet Cherry Smash  (makes one cocktail)

Slightly adapted from Sour-Cherry Gin Smash

1 slice lime (plus one more for garnish)
6 frozen dark sweet cherries
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
2 oz. Tanqueray Rangpur gin
crushed ice
splash of ginger ale

Use the PESTLE to muddle the lime slice and frozen cherries.

Use the PESTLE to muddle the lime slice and frozen cherries.

Place lime slice and cherries in a cocktail shaker and muddle.    Add lime juice, gin and ice.   Shake and pour into cocktail glasses.    (Do not strain.)    Add ginger ale to fill glass.   Garnish with a very thin lime slice.   Serve.

The Muddler from Eliot's Eats

I have also made this for him using a good Kentucky bourbon.    🙂

This is easy to make into a mocktail.

The Virgin Muddler 🙂

1 slice lime (plus one more for garnish)
6 frozen dark sweet cherries
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
crushed ice
more than a splash of ginger ale

Place lime slice and cherries in a cocktail shaker and muddle.    Add lime juice and ice.   Shake and pour into cocktail glasses.    (Do not strain.)    Add ginger ale to fill glass.   Garnish with a very thin lime slice.   Serve.

A fine mocktail

A fine mocktail

This is a very refreshing summer drink!

 

Abigail’s Flowers for Today

DSC00741

Lavender from one of our flower beds.

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