Champagne?! What Isn’t this a clean eating blog? Yes, but it’s also a clean drinking, realistic blog. With that being said..
Craft cocktails have invaded the whole smiths! I am happy to announce the addition of the whole (craft)cocktail whereby WE (I will get to that in a minute) will feature handcrafted cocktails that will *try* to follow paleo guidelines. I say *try* because I know not all alcohol is considered “paleo”. But our recipes WILL be refined-sugar free, using only honey, maple syrup and actual fruit juice for sweeteners. We will also incorporate fresh and seasonal ingredients. You won’t find any store bought, sticky syrups. And our spirits will be gluten free.
After much thought, I decided to add a craft beverage section to my blog. The truth of the matter is, just because you have decided to follow a paleo diet doesn’t mean you have made the decision to never, ever, for the rest of your life indulge in something non-paleo. As an adult, many of us like our adult libations from time to time. Rather than pick up some neon Jose Cuervo margarita mix, let’s make a better (and wayyyyy more delicious) decision to create REAL versions of our favorite cocktails to indulge in.
OK, now I am really excited to say that my dear husband Brad will be spearheading a good portion of the cocktails over here at the Whole Smiths. I will no doubt be chirping in his ear the whole time (the way a loving wife does) but he will be the master craft cocktail-er around here. Not only does he have a great way of mixing flavors together, but he also knows a lot about the history and production of various sorts of libations. He was the perfect Smith for the job! And the only one old enough. For now, I will still be doing the blogging but he will be doing the creating. 🙂
I picked a helluva time to start this feature since I recently started my Whole30, but we had some things up our sleeve in the recent weeks that I am happy to share with you.
Kicking off the whole (craft)cocktail is this Lavender Champagne. It’s the perfect start for any spring or summer event. Or even to take into the shower with you! (Don’t tell me you’ve never taken a drink into the shower with you while you’re getting ready for your night out. My 20’s were loaded with plenty “shower drinks”, yikes!) It’s really light and refreshing and brings a really great taste of “fresh” to your champagne.
With no further adieu…
the whole (craft) cocktail - Lavender + Lemon Champagne
Ingredients
- 1 glass of dry champagne
- 1 shot of elderflower liqueur
- 2 sprigs of lavender
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Infuse one sprig of lavender in elderflower liqueur for at least one hour in refrigerator.
- Pour glass of champagne, making sure not to fill to the top.
- Add infused elderflower liqueur, including lavender sprig.
- Using a peeler, peel a portion of zest from the lemon and heat with a lighter to warm oils in the zest.
- Add zest to champagne.
- Top with a quick squeeze of lemon juice.
- Using a stirrer, gently combine components.
- Garnish with extra lavender.
