The Spring Sting Nettle Cocktail is a refreshing and herbaceous drink that features the unique flavor of stinging nettle. Here’s a recipe inspired by The Botanical Mixed Drinks recipe book:

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1 ounce nettle syrup
• Soda water
• Ice cubes
• Nettle leaf or lemon peel (for garnish)

Nettle Syrup:

• 1 cup fresh nettle leaves
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Start by making the nettle syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the nettle leaves, water, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Remove the nettle syrup from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, strain out the nettle leaves, and transfer the syrup to a jar or bottle for storage. The nettle syrup can be kept refrigerated for up to a week.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and nettle syrup. Add a handful of ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.
4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top the glass with soda water to your desired level of fizziness.
6. Garnish the cocktail with a sprig of nettle leaf or a twist of lemon peel.
7. Give the drink a gentle stir before sipping and enjoy the refreshing and herbal flavors of the Spring Sting Nettle Cocktail.

Note: Stinging nettle should be handled with caution when gathering fresh leaves. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid stinging yourself. If fresh nettle leaves are not available, you can also find nettle tea or dried nettle leaves to make the syrup. Adjust the sweetness and tartness of the cocktail according to your preference by adding more or less nettle syrup and lemon juice. As always, please drink responsibly.

The post A TOAST WITH SPRING STING NETTLE COCKTAIL FROM THE BOTANICAL MIXED DRINKS RECIPE BOOK appeared first on Pattiala Dawakhana.