eat make read

This isn’t exactly a fall cocktail, but let’s face it, just because the seasons change doesn’t mean I can stop using ginger and lemons. A few weeks ago my office had a day of pampering that included lunch at Prune where I had the most amazing lemonade. When my co-worker asked what was in it, they said it was fresh lemons, ginger and cayenne pepper. Of course I had to try it…
Later that day we had the cocktail guru, Jonathan Pogash come into our studio to teach us a thing or two about cocktails. He taught us a little history, a few key skills and then set us loose to try some out on our own. After mixing up a few winners with my coworkers I came home with the confidence to try my own version of Prune’s spicy lemonade with a little extra something.
I hand-squeezed a few lemons and let the juice mingle with some freshly sliced ginger for a while. When we were ready to imbibe, I got out my fancy new shaker from the class and started mixing. First I poured in the juice, then added a little simple syrup, some rum and ice. I shook it for the proper amount of time (15 seconds, that allows the perfect amount of ice to melt). I quickly lined the rims of my glasses with a little sugar and poured. A small sprinkle of cayenne was added to each, then I stirred it in and added a slice of lemon for a little extra pizazz and voila, behold the spicy lemonade cocktail.
It’s a delicious treat that tickles the senses with sweet, sour and spicy notes. I highly recommend it along with both Prune and a class with Jonathan.

Cheers to you! Have a great weekend!

spicy lemonade cocktail
makes 2

6 parts fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
3 inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
2 parts simple syrup
2 parts rum

sugar
cayenne pepper
lemon slices to garnish

1
Squeeze the lemons into a cocktail shaker. Add ginger slices and let sit for at least 1 hour, up to 1 day.
2
Right before your ready to mix it up, pour a little sugar on a plate and a run a lemon around the rim of the glass. Dip it in the sugar and set aside.
3
Add the rum, simple syrup and a few ice cubes to the shaker. Shake for about 15 seconds.
4
Pour the cocktail into the sugared glasses. Add a pinch of cayenne to each and give them a stir.
5
Add the lemon slice to garnish and drink up. Cheers!