Hansen here:
Heidelberg and I like to explore, try new things, and overall just get out of our comfort zones from time to time. On our last excursion, we ventured into the world of craft cocktails. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let me explain a little about us and our choice of beverages.
I personally prefer the "simple" drinks; beer, rum & coke, scotch neat... I'm easy. Heidelberg, on the other hand, is picky when it comes to her preferred alcoholic beverages. She doesn't like the typical, "girly" drinks, but she also isn't a "scotch-on-the-rocks" type of girl either.
In the past, Heidelberg has only really enjoyed 2-3 drinks, all of which had the same basic factors- fresh, simple drinks that blend savory and sweet components for a well crafted drink. Rather than have her drink the typical glass of Champagne this year, I wanted to try my hand at making the perfect Valentine's Day Cocktail she could have at home.
This cocktail is simple, fresh, rustic, subtle; it meets all the criteria Heidelberg would ever want. Not too sweet or too strong. The best part, it is easy to make at home- no bartender required.
+ Ingredients
+ 1 Lime
+ 5 Whole Raspberries
+ 6-7 Small Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
+ 3 oz Club Soda
+ 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
+ 1 1/2 oz Vodka (we used Reyka)
+ Muddler
+ Instructions + Serving Size: 1 glass
Step 1: Be Twenty-One
Step 2: Combine Rasberries, Thyme, and Juice from 1 Whole Lime in a shaker or glass
Step 3: Muddle ingredients (if you do not own a muddler, you can use the back of an ice cream scooper)
Step 4: Add Vodka, Simple Syrup, and Club Soda
Step 5: Shake over ice for roughly ten seconds
Step 6: Now Enjoy!
+Homemade Simple Syrup
+ 1 cup of hot water
+ 1 cup of sugar
+ Combine sugar into hot water & stir until all the sugar is completely dissolved
[Share your favorite drinks in the comments below]