Friday

grape crush


concord grapes are still in season and covered in bees at the local greenmarket. we've seen lots of great inspirations of how to use them around town - jellies, sorbet and a wonderful cocktail at Gramercy Tavern. we used these delicious seasonal grapes last year in an amazing grape tart. this year we decided to try a cocktail, The Grape Crush. make the grape concentrate and simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so you can whip up a cocktail whenever you feel the urge! hope everyone has a great weekend and a happy halloween!

The Grape Crush
serves 1

2 oz Hendricks gin
1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
1 oz grape concentrate, see recipe below
2 tbs lemon simple syrup, see recipe below
4 oz soda water
in a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, grape concentrate, simple syrup and ice. shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice. top with soda water, stir and enjoy.

Concord Grape Concentrate
1 lb concord grapes, stems removed
2 tbs lemon juice
combine grapes and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over high heat. cook, stirring frequently, until grapes release their juices, about 7 minutes. strain through a fine mesh sieve and cool completely.

Lemon Simple Syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1-inch zest of lemon
combine sugar, water and lemon in a small saucepan over high heat. bring to a boil and cook just until sugar is dissolved. remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. discard lemon zest and let syrup cool completely.

9 comments:

Maggie said...

This sounds lovely!

Jennifer said...

This refreshing cocktail will serve the perfect partner for my Grape Crush lip smacker gloss.

Amanda said...

I tried my first Hendricks gin and tonic a few weeks ago, and it was delicious. I've been looking to try Hendricks another way, and this looks perfect.Thanks!

Megan said...

YUM! I may have Brian whip up a pitcher of these as a birthday treat...we miss you guys!!

Anonymous said...

You had me at concord grapes but then I saw the Hendricks, and, oh my, it's 9 on a Tuesday and I itching for a cocktail!

Mindy said...

I was wondering what I was going to do with those grapes I bought...Thanks.

ckeller said...

Heres another way to enjoy Hendricks:

http://mealsathome.blogspot.com/2009/07/july-4th-retrospectivethe-finale.html

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Rich Amor said...

sugar riched, defenately a good taste