A Toast to Summer
As another New England summer draws to a close, the air begins to carry a crisp promise of cooler nights, and we are gently reminded that autumn is on its way. Our gardens, which have been awash with color and vitality through the warm months, are now winding down, offering a final bounty of vegetables and herbs. We’ve tended to our plants all summer long and have savored the fruits of our labor with undeniable satisfaction. Evenings grow cooler, inviting us to gather around the fire pit with a refreshing drink in hand, basking in the last of summer’s warmth before the chill of fall settles in.
To make the most of these fleeting moments and the garden’s last harvests, we’re turning our attention to reimagining classic cocktails with a fresh twist. Drawing inspiration from Amy Stewart’sThe Drunken Botanist, which delves into the botanical history of alcoholic beverages, we’re exploring how homegrown ingredients can transform traditional recipes. Stewart’s creative take on the Bloody Mary, the Blushing Mary, uses muddled cherry tomatoes and tonic water to provide a refreshing new twist on a beloved classic. We set out to craft our own version, boosting the quantities a little to yield a taller drink that will last a little longer ‘round the fire.
The Recipe
Blushing Mary Highball
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka or tequila
5 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 mild or hot pepper (we like Poblano or Jalapeño), sliced and with the seeds taken out
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
3 to 4 leaves of parsley, cilantro, or basil
tonic water
celery bitters
black pepper for garnish
peppers, celery sticks, extra herbs, or cherry tomatoes for garnish
Directions:
Combine the tomatoes, 1-2 slices of pepper, and herbs in a cocktail shaker or shaking tin and use a muddler to crush them together. Add the spirits, Worcestershire sauce, and a handful of ice. Shake well and strain into a hi-ball glass with ice. Top off with tonic water and stir. Add a dash of Fee Brothers celery bitters and grind a bit of fresh black pepper on top. Garnish with a combination of fresh celery sticks, the remaining pepper slices, cherry tomatoes, or herbs.
Variety is the Spice of Life
One of the beautiful things about this recipe is its natural variability, thanks to its reliance on fresh ingredients, particularly if they were grown locally or in your own backyard. The unique flavors of each batch will be influenced by factors such as the different varieties of tomatoes you use, the amount of rain they received during the growing season, and the herbs you select. Each combination brings its own nuanced flavors, making every cocktail a delightfully distinct experience.
Parting Thoughts
As we savor the final moments of summer, the Blushing Mary Highball serves as a perfect tribute to the season’s bounty and a toast to the transition into fall. This cocktail not only highlights the vibrant flavors of homegrown vegetables and herbs but also embodies the spirit of enjoying the present before the cooler days arrive. Each variation of the Blushing Mary is a testament to the uniqueness of summer’s harvest, reflecting the diversity of ingredients and personal touches that make it truly special. So, gather with friends and family, take in the crisp evening air, and raise a glass to the memories made and the flavors that have graced our tables this summer. Cheers to the delightful possibilities of the seasons to come!
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