Thirsty Thursday April Cocktail Recipes

Here are the following cocktail recipes we will be serving up at Scenic Roots on April 21st, 2016.  Remember the Garden Center will be open from 5:30-7:00 pm to sample cocktails inspired and made right from your gardens and for you to shop at will ;)

Strawberry Gin Smash

   Serves 8:2 tablespoons sugar2 limes, juiced, about 4 tablespoons1 pound fresh strawberries2 cups gin3 cups club sodaFresh mint sprigs, to garnishMuddle the sugar and limes in a pitcher that holds at least 8 cups (64 ounces). Set aside 6 to 8 small strawberries and make a small slice in their tips. Hull and slice the remaining strawberries and muddle the slices lightly with the sugar and lime juice.Stir in the gin and club soda and pack the pitcher full of ice. Add mint sprigs to garnish. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with a strawberry, slotted onto the edge of the glass.• Make-Ahead Note: You can make this ahead; mix everything except the club soda and ice, then refrigerate overnight. A night in the fridge will also help the strawberries add more flavor and color to the drink.

Strawberry Rhubarb Sangria

Ingredients½ cup sugar1 cup water4 rhubarb stalks, cubed1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered4 cups (32 ounces) chilled ginger ale1 bottle (750 ml) chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blancicefresh lime slices, for garnishfresh mint, for garnish1.In a small pot, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a rapid boil. Remove from heat, and stir in the rhubarb. Allow to cool down to room temperature. Transfer to a small bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.2.In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, fresh strawberries, cooled rhubarb syrup, ginger ale, white wine, and ice. To serve, ladle into tall glasses with ice. Add a lime slice and a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!Notesyields: 4 to 6 servings

Classic Mint Julep

Ingredients8-10 fresh mint leaves1 teaspoon granulated sugar2 ounces bourbonExtra mint sprig, for garnish1.In a glass, muddle mint leaves with sugar (if you don't have a muddler, use the back of a wooden spoon).2.Fill the glass with crushed ice. Top with bourbon and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh mint sprig.

Stawberry_Basil Lemonade

Chop strawberries, lemons and crush basil to a pitcher of water and let steep in the fridge overnight.  Enjoy!