Well, it's Friday afternoon and the weekend is almost upon us, so I think it must be time to start planning a tipple. I stumbled upon this week's delicious libation when I Google searched 'Butterfly cocktails' and found this gem, created by Alex Kammerling in London.
The cocktail called for the inclusion of Elderflower liqueur, which I had tasted before, but did not have in my possession, so the wonderfully obliging, Mr TG was dispatched to Leadenhall Market in his lunch hour to obtain a bottle. The shop there have several London outlets and even more fabulously, an online shop where you can purchase a wide range of interesting alcoholic beverages. However, a trip in person is recommended if you can, as the staff are extremely knowledgeable and really helpful: Amanthus Drinks
There were several options available, but Mr TG chose this one, which I love. It comes in a lovely bottle and best of all, is made in Britain. I have since discovered that they make vodka, primarily, so next time I am stocking up, I'll be sure to buy British and try theirs!
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I must confess that I was so taken with Elderflower liqueur, that I upped the quantity a little as I found the original cocktail a little wersh (bitter,for the non Scots among you), but that could have been down to the grapes I used. Anyway, I shall give you my version of it and you can likewise adapt, if necessary. After all, that's how the best cocktails are born.
Butterfly Cocktail
Ingredients
1.5 oz vodka
1oz Chase Elderflower Liqueur
1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
8 seedless white grapes
3 leaves basil
3 leaves mint
ice
Muddle the grapes in the bottom of a cocktail shaker (muddling is essentially just roughly mashing them)
Add the other ingredients with enough crushed ice to half fill the shaker
Give it a bit of a shake - nothing to vigorous as the delicate flavours of the herbs will be marred.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy the fresh citrus flavour.
I had a little sip before putting it in the fridge for later as I still have to take my son to his gymnastics club, but I can assure you it is delish and I will be quaffing it later!
After the success of this Butterfly cocktail and seeing as I had a whole bottle of liqueur, I thought I would put my Mixologist's hat on and make a slightly sweeter, fruitier version and I'm so pleased with the result, I just have to share.
Strawberry Butterfly Cocktail
Ingredients
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz Chase Elderflower Liqueur
3 large strawberries
1/2 large orange
ice
Muddle the strawberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker
Squeeze the 1/2 orange directly into the shaker
Add the other ingredients with enough crushed ice to half fill the shaker
Give it vigorous shake this time and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Not only does it look gorgeous, but it's really tasty too and practically a health drink with all that fruit (okay, maybe not) and although sweeter, not so much so that it tastes like an alcopop - these cocktails are definitely for grown ups!
So, I hope you get to give one or both of them a try and I can't recommend the Chase Elderflower Liqueur enough. In fact, you will definitely be seeing a few more drinks that use it, over the next few weeks, so grab a bottle if you want to join in.
Of course, I'm sure it goes without saying, but I will anyway - always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Have a fabulous weekend. x
Classy and stylish.
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