Perhaps because it is the darkest time of year, or maybe because the Northlands become so cold, we find a richness of traditions, rituals, and legends from this season to keep our hearts bright and warm. Whether stories told after supper by the light of the fire, or aromatic evergreens and candles, we welcome the return of the light with the Solstice and find renewed inspiration for the year ahead.
As herbalists, these occasions are easy to infuse with herbs. During this time of year, nothing beats herbal drinks to aid digestion after an indulgent holiday meal, or to brighten the mood and sprit on a dark gray winter day. Plants are our allies during this season.*
Herbal syrups are the easiest way to make delicious and fancy, bar-worthy drinks from the comfort of your own home. Make them ahead of time and keep them on hand to elevate any occasion into a simple, but special one. Find the recipe for a simple herb and fruit syrups for cocktails / mocktails here.
Blood Orange Rosemary Bubbles
With the sweet tang of blood orange and aromatic rosemary, this is the perfect cocktail to brighten up a winter day and aid digestion.* It's also a great use of the abundant winter citrus! Makes 2 drinks.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup blood orange juice
- 1/2 cup rosemary infused simple syrup
- 2 oz vodka
- Dash of Urban Moonshine Original Digestive Bitters
- Ice
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Wedge of orange and sprig of rosemary for garnish
- Optional sugar rim for extra sparkle
Directions:
- Pour blood orange juice, rosemary infused simple syrup, and vodka into a cocktail shaker. Shake until combined.
- Line a glass with ice and a blood orange slice.
- Pour cocktail mixture into the glass. Top off with club soda or sparkling water and a rosemary sprig.
- Serve immediately.
For a mocktail version, omit the vodka.
Honey Pear Sage Gin Fizz
Fresh pear syrup pairs beautifully with the floral hints of gin, brightened with a homemade sage infused honey syrup that brings a touch of earthy sweetness to create the perfect spritz. Makes 2 drinks.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Gin
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce spiced pear syrup (or more as desired for sweetness)
- Club soda
- Pear slice and sage leaves for garnish
Directions:
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, shake together the gin, lemon juice, and pear syrup for 30 seconds, until shaker frosts over.
- Pour into glasses. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a pear slice, and sage leaf. Cheers!
For a mocktail version, omit the gin.
A Bitter Aperitif
Taking a spin off the traditional Italian beverage, aperitifs are enjoyed before meals to increase digestive juices to thoroughly digest, and most importantly, enjoy and indulge in a meal.
Take ¼ tsp digestive bitters, then pour a bit of seltzer into the glass and cheers with family 15 or so minutes before a meal.
Our Digestive Bitter formulas are staples on our kitchen tables, our bags, and as always, in our everyday routines. Use them to aid proper digestion, or for occasional upset, like gas and bloating, occasional heartburn and indigestion, by sipping a small amount after a meal.*
May your holidays be warm, bright, and rich with herbs.
