May in Minnesota is one of the most gorgeous months of the year. During winter, Minnesotans hibernate from the cold and wait for the days of summer. In May, the bees are buzzing, the tulips are in full bloom, and martinis at J. Carver Distillery are flowing.
Have you seen Martini Monday? For those of you who have tuned in to view the video on our FB page, thank you! If you haven't had the opportunity, "Like" us on Facebook and watch Gina teach you how to create some of the tasty cocktails served in our cocktail room. Here are a few of the recipes. Get ready for some summer sipping.
J. Carver Lake House Fig Martini
Lake House Fig Martini Recipe
2 oz J. Carver Lake House Vodka
1 oz fig simple syrup*
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 dashes orange bitters
Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini coupe and garnish with an orange.
Fig Simple Syrup Recipe:
2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons fig preserves. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the fig preserves and pour liquid into a mason jar. keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.
"The Symbol" honoring #RIPPRINCE made with Grimm Farm Gin
We are inspired to name the following J. Carver Specialty Cocktail "The Symbol" formally known as the "Purple Rain" Cocktail! You've inspired the world Prince Rogers Nelson. #RIPPrince #foreverinourhearts
"The Symbol"
2 oz J. Carver Grimm Farm Gin
¾ oz lavender honey simple syrup
½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 oz blackberry simple syrup or blackberry liqueur
¼ oz egg whites
Watch the J. Carver Martini Monday FB video to see how to incorporate the egg whites into this cocktail. Then, shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with blackberries.
Lavender Honey Simple Syrup Recipe:
2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons lavender flowers, 2 teaspoons local wildflower honey. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the lavender flowers and pour liquid into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.
J. Carver Bourbon Whiskey Mint Julep #martinimonday
Ah yes, May. It's the time of year we celebrate horses, hats, roses, and of course, Mint Juleps!!! We were so grateful to all of you who joined us for a tour during our first annual Kentucky Derby Party last Saturday. Your hats were spectacular and the Mint Juleps were delicious. A perfect cocktail to make for your friends throughout the summer, not just during derby time.
J. Carver Mint Julep
2 oz J. Carver Bourbon Whiskey
½ oz mint simple syrup
2 leaves of fresh mint
Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with fresh mint.
Mint Simple Syrup Recipe:
2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 12 mint leaves. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the mint leaves and pour liquid into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks. Also, perfect to use when you are making a J. Carver Moscow Mule.
Stephanie March and Gina Holman in the studio at Twin Cities Live
Thank you to Stephanie March and Twin Cities Live for bringing TCL to Waconia! Food and Dining Editor for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Stephanie March, highlighted J. Carver Distillery, and Waconia's Breweries and Wineries. The secret is out! J. Carver Distillery is located in a town that creates some delicious wines, beers and spirits! Our J. Carver Barrel Gin (A Whiskey Lover's Gin) Bees Knees Cocktail was featured on Twin Cities Live. Here is the recipe.
J. Carver Barrel Gin Bees Knees
2 oz J. Carver Barrel Gin
¾ oz ginger simple syrup
½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with a piece of candied ginger.
Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe:
2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons fresh ginger - peel ginger first to remove the outside skin. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the ginger and pour liquid into a mason jar. keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.
Stephanie March, Gina Holman, Elizabeth Ries, and Steve Patterson hosts of Twin Cities Live
Raising a glass to Martini Monday and summer sipping. Stay thirsty everyone!
Cheers!
Gina