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A chronicle of my adventures growing, preserving, cooking and eating from my garden and everywhere.

Known to many for my incredible ability to organize, I tackle gardening and life with equal verve.  Obsessive, is that a bad thing?

http://www.mrswheelbarrow.com/2010/12/charcutepalooza-lets-make-meat

Cranberry Juniper Twist

1/2 tsp juniper bitters

1 orange slice

1 slice ginger

2 tbs cranberry ginger simple syrup

juice of half a lime

1 1/2 oz gin

ice

soda


In a tall glass muddle juniper bitters, ginger and orange slice until well crushed. Add cranberry ginger syrup, lime juice, gin and stir. Add ice and top with soda, stirring once more. Garnish with lime slice.



Cranberry Ginger Simple Syrup

1 1/4 cups water

1 cup cranberries

3 thick slices ginger

1 cup sugar


Simmer water, berries and ginger on medium for 5 minutes. Strain. Add sugar and simmer until dissolved. Cool.

My bitters inspiration naturally came from my garden.  Juniper is a classic flavor base for bitters (and gin), which I combined with fresh rosemary, thyme, black peppercorns and vodka.  The idea is to make a super intense infusion that heightens the profile of your cocktail.


Juniper Bitters

2 tbs fresh juniper berries

2-4” rosemary branches

2-4” thyme branches

2 tsp black peppercorns

1 pint vodka

1/4c dried juniper berries


Combine all the ingredients, except dried juniper berries, in a pint glass jar with a lid.  Store is a cool dark place for one month.  After one month, strain the vodka, discard herbs, then add the dried juniper berries for a double extract. After two months, strain again and you’re ready for cocktails!