Spring is well under way and in full bloom — flowers are blossoming, trees are green once more, and the breeze has traded its winter chill for lovely, lovely warmth.
As a toast to this fairest of seasons, the team at Hard Truth has created a trio of cocktails embracing the sweetest of spring hallmarks: flowers.
Below, you’ll find three simple and delicious cocktails enhanced with easy-to-make, flower-infused simple syrups.
#1: Cosmo-politan
This springy take on a classic cosmopolitan exchanges cranberry juice for a light, floral syrup — sending the drinker on a pleasant detour away from the bustling big city and into a breezy, blooming country garden bursting with spring flowers.
Don’t let that fool you, though, the Cosmo-politan is a treat for even the most sophisticated of palates!
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz. Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka
1½ oz. Hibiscus rose simple syrup
½ oz. Lemon juice
¼ oz. Triple sec
Cosmo flower, to garnish
CRAFT:
1. Chill coupe glass.
2. Add liquid ingredients to ice-filled bar shaker, then cover, and shake to chill.
3. Double strain into prepared coupe, then float cosmo in drink to garnish.
#2: Coconut Lavender Lemonade
A wonderfully refreshing sipper that can be enjoyed all spring and summer long, this fruity, floral lemonade takes on an extra splash of color when you add the optional butterfly pea powder!
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz. Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum
2 oz. Lavender and butterfly pea simple syrup
2 oz. Lemon juice
Water, to top
Lavender sprig and lemon slice, to garnish
CRAFT:
1. Add Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup to Mason jar glass.
2. Top with ice, then water.
3. Drop lavender sprig into drink and place lemon on glass rim to garnish.
#3: Gold ‘n Rye
Every season is whiskey season, and this approachable, floral take on the classic Gold Rush cocktail balances springy lightness with a familiar whiskey punch.
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz. Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey
1 oz. Honey chamomile simple syrup*
1 oz. Lemon juice
4 dashes Orange bitters
Chamomile flowers, to garnish
CRAFT:
1. Add liquid ingredients to ice-filled bar shaker, then cover, and shake to chill.
2. Double strain into chilled coupe glass, then float chamomile flowers in drink to garnish.
Where the flowers are
‘Don’t know where to start in your search for edible flowers?
You can shop for dried varieties online, and they’re great for creating simple syrups and garnishes.
For that extra touch, you can use fresh edible flowers as garnishes, too — check in at local florists, farmer’s markets, or your own backyard for fresh options. If you’re hunting your own flowers in the wild, make sure to double-check your identification resources to be certain the ones you find are, indeed, edible. Popular, easy-to-spot edible flowers include lavender, pansies, violets, chamomile, and chive blossoms.
