Harvest Moon

ABOUT

Happy October! This month we’re going to see two full moons: one tonight, October 1 and another on Halloween night. Tonight’s full moon, known as the Harvest Moon, has been known to guide farmers with its bright light to harvest their crops late into the night.

The Harvest Moon is known to be the first full moon following the Autumn Equinox. The Harvest Moon’s bright moonlight helps to welcome fall and the harvest to follow. It symbolizes new beginnings (especially after hard work), spiritual cleansing, and emotional healing.

Keeping this in mind, this tea forward cocktail is made with chamomile tea. Often called one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind, chamomile can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt where it was used to treat malaria, improve the health of withering plants, and even in the mummification process. Additionally, chamomile is often associated with purification, protection, and meditation.

The base spirit for this drink is Hendrick’s gin. Produced in Scotland and made with more than 11 different botanicals — including chamomile — Hendrick’s is full of floral, citrus and tea like notes. Made with rose and cucumber essence, Hendrick’s is often described as being distilled in the fashion of early gin that was used as herbal medicine.

Lavender honey syrup is added not only for sweetness, but also for an additional layer of herbal notes. Often used in aromatherapy, lavender is packed with therapeutic benefits that include promoting wellness, reducing anxiety, and even treating mild wounds and pain. Lemon juice is added to help brighten the up cocktail and ensure it’s nice and balanced.

This drink is served in a coupe glass. Fresh flowers — preferably edible flowers — are an optional garnish.

Recipe Type: Cocktails

Glassware: Coupe

Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 oz. Hendrick’s Gin

  • 1.5 oz. chamomile tea, chilled

  • 1 oz. lavender honey syrup

    • 1 cup honey

    • 1 cup water

    • 3 tablespoons lavender buds

  • 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Preparing the honey lavender syrup:

  1. Prepare honey lavender syrup by adding one cup of honey and one cup of water to a small saucepan

  2. Bring to a low boil until honey has dissolved

  3. Add lavender and let simmer for 5 minutes

  4. Remove from heat and let cool completely

  5. Once cooled strain into a clean glass container, discarding lavender buds, for later use

Preparing the chamomile tea:

  1. Brew chamomile tea by adding two chamomile tea bags to one cup of hot water

  2. Let steep for 10 minutes and then discard tea bags

  3. Add to a clean glass container and chill for later use

Preparing the cocktail

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker

  2. Shake for 20 seconds or until shaker is frosty on the outside

  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass

  4. Serve

CocktailsBartender Barrybartender barry, gin13 Comments