Lavender and Plum Gin Cocktail
Summer is a time for sunshine, blossoming flowers, smiles and gin.
The Walled Garden at Gordon Castle has a long history, with evidence of a walled garden existing here from the 17th century. Built in its present form in 1803, it was soon bustling with activity and abundant with flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs to supply the Castle, spiritual home of Clan Gordon.
A garden with such history always has tales to tell (if only the walls could talk!). One of Gordon Castle's famous heroines was Duchess Jean. In the year of 1794 she assisted her husband, the 4th Duke of Gordon in the recruitment drive of The Gordon Highlanders. Legend has it that the Duchess would place a golden guinea between her lips and offer a kiss to any man who would take the King’s shilling. The drive was a huge success and resulted in The Gordon Highlanders being one of Scotland's most iconic regiments.
She famously loved the garden's lavender beds and could often be found among the ribbons with a good book!
The Duchess
Working with the very talented The Amateur Mixologist, it’s a play on a classic gin sour with subtle hints of plum and a backbone of citrus and fragrant lavender. A creamy texture from the egg white is complimented beautifully by the aroma of the lavender.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
40ml Gordon Castle Gin
20ml Gordon Castle Plum Gin Liqueur
10ml fresh lemon juice
1 dash vanilla essence
30ml mediterranean tonic water
1 egg white
Fresh lavender from Gordon Castle Walled Garden (if you can!)
METHOD
Muddle lavender with lemon and liqueur, add other ingredients (except tonic) and shake with ice. Double strain into glass, top with tonic and garnish with more lavender.
HOW TO ENJOY
Take a leaf out of Duchess Jean's book and grab a good book, a seat in the sun and enjoy.
