mon cherry

Oh noes!
Ravelry isn't working.  This even more of a problem than it usually would be, because I was in the middle of (finally) posting a testing thread for the tank top that I've been obsessively meticulously getting ready for prime time.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

I've been meaning to share more summery boozy goodness while it's still weather and seasonal produce-appropriate, so here's my take on the always-refreshing mint julep:


Mon Cherry:

- four ripe amarena cherries, pitted
- a few sprigs of mint
- 1-2 tsps fine white sugar
- 2 1/2 oz bourbon (Jim Beam in this case)
- ice, crushed if you're fancy
- soda water to taste

Place cherries, mint, and sugar in glass.  If your bar is better-appointed than mine, a highball glass would be nice.  Muddle thoroughly.  Add plenty of ice, bourbon.  Top with a couple glugs soda water, stir, and enjoy.  Maybe whilst taking in a horse race.

Say it with me - "Ahhhhhh"

kalifornisch?

I'm feeling pretty clever regarding my latest, heavily altered, nearly F'd O.  Here's a progress shot:

Brought it to knitting group on Sunday and finished the last remaining sleeve cap; plus got a start on weaving in the ends.  All that remains is to block it and choose [possibly purchase] and attach buttons.  I'm not wild about the idea of button shopping, but there are ten button holes ... and I'm not so sure I have ten matching buttons of the correct size lying around.  More on the alterations and whathaveyou once the finishing's finished.  Meanwhile ...

My new favorite hot weather libation:

I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a name, since it's a decidedly international effort including a mixer named after one of the fifty United States but available (as far as I can tell) only in Germany ... and gin.  Plus some lime and whatever fresh herbs are kicking around the kitchen garden/crisper.

Appropriately(?) enough, the exclusively European soda in question is called "Californian Citrus Summer*".  I'm not going to get involved in a discussion of the citrus growing season in California.  Far more important than its questionable nomenclature is its nicely balanced bittersweet effervescence, which makes a delightfully unexpected, but appropriate, foil for the faithful standby that is Gordon's.

Kalifornischen Sommer:

- Ice

- London dry gin

- Schweppes Californian Citrus Summer soda

- Lime wedge

- Fresh herb sprig(s), bruised (optional)

Place a few cubes of ice in your fancy Ikea tumbler.  Squeeze lime wedge over, drop into glass.  Pour gin, then soda in preferred ratio.  I like about a 1 to 1 ratio because I am a lush have a refined palate, and prefer my drinks strong rather than sweet.  If desired, bruise and drop in fresh herbs for a flavorful garnish.  I used basil and some fennel fronds in the serving picture above, and found it to be a really nice combo.  Stir, sip, and enjoy.

*Possible substitutes include any suitably dry citrus sodas.  Grapefruit soda comes to mind, maybe mixed with some sparkling limeade or "orange dry" if you want to get fancy.