I’m back on the raw diet in full force which means I am trying to look for healthier options when happy hour comes around. I found this deliciously light and sweet Red Red “Vine” Cocktail on yummly.
You’ll need:
- 12 Fresh Concord grapes
- 2 oz Bulldog Gin
- 2 Fresh mint leaves
- 1 (.25-inch) slice Fresh ginger
- 3 Lemon wedges
- 1 tsp Raw sugar
- Club soda
Directions:
In a shaker, muddle the grapes. Add the remaining ingredients except the club soda and fill with ice. Shake well and double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a mint leaf and a grape cluster.
I’ve also learned about the many healthy benefits of eating fermented items such as pickles and sauerkraut so I was delighted to find this recipe for pickled cherries in the new Sweet Paul magazine.
Pickled Cherries
1 quart sweet cherries ( I used both Bing and Rainier and the sweetness of the Rainer worked much better with the sweet and spicy recipe)
You’ll Need:
2 cups white wine vinegar
2 cups water
2 3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
zest of 1 lemon
4 bay leaves
2 hot peppers
Directions:
1. In a medium sauce pan, combine all ingredients except cherries and bring to a boil.
2. Lower heat and simmer liquid for 5 minutes to infuse with flavor.
3. Add cherries, continue cooking for 2 more minutes, and remove from heat.
4. Let cool and and serve or refrigerate.
I also made an adaptation of the cocktail above with the leftover juice from this recipe.
Pickled Cherry Cocktail
1 part cherry pickling juice
1 part gin
1 part club soda
add one pickled cherry to drink
Enjoy!
Lauren