The Orchard
As we move further into autumn and deeper into this pandemic, I find myself seeking as many paths to happiness as I can think up. I recently took up watercolor painting. I’ve got a robust reading goal and am just about finished with my 44th book of the year. I’ve painted several rooms in my house and have plans for a couple more. For months, I’ve been cycling through waves of productivity and waves of depression. There are days when I do nothing but mindlessly scroll social media on my phone. My screen time is embarrassing. Yet, in between these waves, there are also moments of joy that catch me off guard. The other night I was making dinner while listening to music. I looked over into the dining room where my husband and kids were playing a card game, laughing and smiling. I caught my daughter’s eye and she smiled happily at me. It was such a simple moment but I was struck with an overwhelming feeling that yes, we are ok.
Like many, we’ve cancelled any hopes for big holiday celebrations and will be sticking to our party of 4. We’ll get back on Zoom and toast our family and friends virtually. It’s not awesome but we might as well make the most of it and explore some new beverages, right?! I’ve read so many articles trying to find the best fall cocktails but I rarely find something that stands out. So often they’re overly sweet sounding, like a caramel apple something rather. However, the other night while I was scrolling Instagram (see previous note about screen time), I noticed that Empress 1908 Gin posted a fun looking cocktail called The Orchard. I’ve raved about my love of Empress Gin in previous posts. The Orchard is a lovely fall cocktail made with lemon juice, sweet vermouth, rosemary-thyme simple syrup, dry cider, and of course, Empress Gin. When I first read the list of ingredients, I wasn’t entirely sure how they’d all work together but it’s a really nice combination. The cider immediately hits you with fall vibes but the lemon and herbal syrup bring a nice brightness, as does the gin. It’s sweet yet quenching. And like all Empress cocktails, it’s so pretty that it’ll bring some added happiness during these dark 5pm happy hours! Seriously, can you even believe how dark it is lately? I hope you try this beautiful beverage and toast to someone you’re missing or even to yourself for surviving another day of 2020! Cheers!
The Orchard, created by Chantelle Gabino for Empress 1908 Gin
Ingredients:
2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
1/2 oz sweet vermouth
3/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz rosemary thyme syrup (recipe below)
2 oz Dry Apple Cider to top (I used Seattle Cider Company Dry Cider)
lemon wheel and rosemary sprig, as garnish
Method:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, and rosemary thyme syrup with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into an ice filled cocktail glass. Top with cider and garnish with lemon wheel and rosemary sprig.
Rosemary-Thyme Simple Syrup:
Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved and remove from heat. Add one sprig rosemary and a few sprigs of time. Let the herbs infuse for 30 minutes and then remove.
