Cooking Lesson #485: Blackberry-Elderflower Fizz

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

​How you doin’? I’m in Las Vegas today and can celebrate because it will be the 4th straight day under 100⁰ F. Now Las Vegas isn’t the only city experiencing a heatwave…yes, ♫we’re having a heatwave♫!
 
When it’s summer and it’s hot you want to enjoy a cocktail that’s just a little bit sweet allowing the flavors to shine through. Also, maximum carbonation keeps your drink fizzier longer—a real refresher. The right combination for a perfect cocktail is to use real ingredients, less sweet and perfectly carbonated. Let the summer spirit shine through with more bubbles and clean, crisp, spectacular bold flavors featuring ginger beer or tonic water.
 
I love the flavors of elderflower and a good quinine tonic. Today’s cocktail recipe uses the flavors of both in one shot—“Q” Elderflower Tonic.

Q Tonics were born in Brooklyn, NY. They are fresh and clean without the usual 32 grams of high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and artificial preservatives. Did you know there is as much HFCS in a 12 ounce can of Sprite? Really! That’s just an insult to a bottle of Hendrick’s or Tanqueray—don’t mix great gins (or ryes or whiskeys) with something lousy.
 
The founders of “Q” spent four years making this tonic tracking down fantastic ingredients. They made the recipe in their Brooklyn kitchen and agonized into the wee hours with a designer to make a package as beautiful as the liquid it holds.
 
Cool off with this summertime cocktail. Cheers!

Prep time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail

Ingredients 
4 blackberries, washed and dried
1-1/2 ounces American whiskey or rye
1 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
4 teaspoons organic honey
5 ounces Q Elderflower Tonic
1 lemon wheel garnish
1 perfect blackberry garnish
 
Directions

1. Muddle the blackberries in the bottom of mixing glass.
2. Add the lemon juice, honey, whiskey and ice; shake well.
3. Strain into a large champagne coupe or martini glass.
4. Top with Q Elderflower Tonic.
5. Garnish with lemon wheel and a perfect blackberry.
6. Bottoms Up!

 
ChefSecret:  Do not screw up your expensive gin with ultra-sweet tonics! Use “Q” or sugar-free tonics.

​Quip of the Day: Damn smart-ass neighbor on the nextdoor app… I had a Federal Express package delivered to the wrong address this morning at 10:21. I asked, “If it showed up at your house, in error, please let me know. It’s only a jar of mayonnaise that I like and would love to get it. Thanks. My neighbor replies, “If I get it, I will be sure to "hold" the mayo!!” Real funny!
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Do you have a question or comment?  Send your thoughts to ed@perspectives-la.com.  All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America.

#Cocktail #HappyHour #Blackberry-ElderflowerFizz #Q-Tonic #Whiskey #Rye #Cheers #2022 #Cheers# QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

                                         ©Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2022

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