Hey, it's been awhile....

I feel like I got caught up in the whirlwind of the holidays, and now suddenly it's February - how did that even happen?!

January in the shop was slow, but I guess that is to be expected in retail. However, I took advantage of the downtime and challenged myself to see if I could whip up a seasonal cocktail or mocktail using only ingredients found on the shop shelves. I knew it had to be simple and since "seasonal" right now means all things pink or red, I had a little direction. Lucky for me, I found everything I needed within reach.

I landed on a classic Gin Fizz, however I made a few swaps for February and added rose in true Flouwer Co. fashion, but I promise this version is every bit as simple to make as the original. Note: Currently we don't sell gin, but I wanted gin. We do however carry Wilderton Lustre, Rose Simple Syrup, Flouwer Co. Sweet Rose Finishing Sugar (obvs), and Wonderfoam.

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Cardamom Rose Gin Fizz

Makes 2 Cocktails

Ingredients

• 4 ounces of a good gin, or similar non-alc spirit like Wilderton Lustre
• a few cardamom pods
• 1.5 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1.5 ounce Rose Simple Syrup
• Wonderfoam - this is a vegan and shelf stable replacement for egg white - can I get an amen?!
• Flouwer Co. Sweet Rose Finishing Sugar
• Club soda or Champagne to top (about 1 ounce)

Ingredients

Prep the day before (optional): I am making this optional because I normally hate recipes that include a prep step in advance because who has time for that?! However, I also love cardamom and with the tiniest amount of effort it will really level up your cocktail. However, it will still be lovely without it if you're in a rush.

• If you are using gin, drop a couple cardamom pods directly into the measured gin for a quick overnight extraction. You will have perfect cardamom flavored gin tomorrow, but be sure not to leave those pods in any longer than one day. A good thing can quickly become a not so good thing.
• If you are using a non-alc spirit then you will want to make a cardamom simple syrup if you'd like to incorporate cardamom because without alcohol the extraction process won't really work.

1. Strain the cardamom pods from the gin.
2. Rim your cocktail glasses with Rose Finishing Sugar. I would suggest coupe glasses for this cocktail.
3. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
4. Add strained gin or non-alc replacement, lemon juice, rose simple syrup, and 3-5 drops of Wonderfoam as instructed on the bottle.
5. Shake it! This is where you will blend your cocktail as well achieve the frothy level of foam you desire. You can always add an extra drop if you want it a little more foamy.
6. Strain into two glasses.
7. Traditionally, a gin fizz is topped with sparkling water, but feel free to dabble in any fizz that strikes your fancy. I'm dabbling with Champagne because dry January is hella over and it makes me feel all lovey dovey.

Now share with your boo, any boo will do, or treat yourself to a second. I'll always cheers to that!