drinks

Herbal Muddle Cocktail for Green Squirrel

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In May 2021 we were approached to create a summer garden inspired cocktail for the celebration of the work and successes of our friends at Green Squirrel. We spend time at Global Gardens project, a community allotment and growing space, run by some other friends. With cold weather and rains we were unsure whether the herbs and fruits we anticipated to draw inspiration from would arrive in time. Then suddenly at the end of May the global gods and sunlight smiled upon us. We found inspiration in walks and talks at the garden with one of the growers Poppy. Wild strawberries and the many varieties of mint thriving at the sunbathed garden oasis in the heart of Cardiff gave us the idea for a cocktail you can make anywhere with just a jar, a penknife and some good quality booze! Enjoy!

Here is the video we made for Green Squirrel and below is the recipe!

What

  • One small handful of wild strawberries OR a large & ripe strawberry or two
  • 6 mint leaves (Moroccan or spearmint are best) OR 4 sprigs of salad burnet
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1 large wedge of lemon (1/4 lemon)
  • 1 double shot of white rum
  • 1 Tbsp. orange liqueur or triple sec
  • Sparkling or soda water
  • 4 ice cubes
  • A pestle or wooden rolling pin for muddling & crushing
  • A jar with a lid (250-300ml)
  • A strainer or small/tea leaf sieve

How

  1. Throw the wild strawberries or chopped Chilean strawberries into the jar.
  2. Add the herb of your choice, the sugar and whole wedge of lemon.
  3. Using the pestle or wooden rolling pin edge crush and muddle all the ingredients for a good few minutes to get the lemon juice out, cream the strawberries and help the herb oils and flavours come out.
  4. Add the rum and liqueur. At this stage you can set the jar aside to infuse for a while. You don’t need to do that.
  5. Then add the ice and shake vigorously for a couple of minutes.
  6. Remove the lemon wedge, squeezing all the good flavour and lemon/booze juice out with your fingers.
  7. Using a strainer (cocktail or mini sieve) pour into a glass (preferably chilled).
  8. At this stage you have a short and very strong cocktail which you can sip slowly for a quick way to tipsiness and merriment.

If you prefer a lighter and fresher version add some chilled sparking or soda water, at least 1/3 of the cocktail quantity in the glass or to the top of the glass for a longer version.

Behind the scenes

Here is a video of the place that inspired us!

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