Gal Pal Val
Words and recipes by Karli Koinzan / Photos by Josh McCullock
Ingredients
2 ounces Uncle Val's Botanical Gin (Uncle Val's Restorative is also great for more of a London dry vibe and less of a flower bouquet slap in the face.)
1/2 ounce Lee Spirits Co. Creme de Rose
2-4 dashes Bar Keep Organic Apple Bitters
Grapefruit or lemon peel, for expression
What's more relaxing than a floral, gin old-fashioned? Well, probably a lot of things but this is what does it for me. Also, don't be afraid to cut the finished cocktail with club soda or tonic water (wait, WHAT did she say? Blasphemy!). That's right. Lengthen that drink to lighten it up and sip on it longer if you want. The power is in your hands. The sweetener comes from a fun liqueur out of Colorado that is made with real cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. (All liqueurs mentioned hereafter fall under the same category of being high quality with natural ingredients.) Freshly picked red and pink rose petals are added for a delicate floral hint. Throw in some apple bitters to complement the rose rather than overpower it.
METHOD
Add ingredients to mixing glass (or into the glass you want to drink out of). Add ice and stir until you get the dilution you prefer. Strain over fresh ice or add a few more cubes if topping with bubbles to prevent a sloshy, watery cocktail. Express the citrus peel and kick back in that super cute athleisure wear you got on sale at Target. You've earned it.