As the days grow crisp and the leaves begin to turn, the bounty of summer’s harvest provides the perfect ingredients for crafting delightful farm-to-table beverages. At Crooked Pines Farm, we believe in celebrating the season’s offerings through homemade herbal infusions and tantalizing shrubs – fermented fruit and vinegar elixirs that add a delightful zing to cocktails and mocktails alike.
Herbal Infusions
The key to crafting exceptional herbal libations starts with selecting the right seasonal herbs. As the summer fades and autumn approaches, our fields burst with the vibrant hues and aromatic fragrances of late-season herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and lavender. These hardy perennials not only lend their distinctive flavors to our drinks but also boast a wealth of healthful properties.
To harness the essence of these herbs, we employ a variety of infusion techniques. Simmering fresh or dried herbs in water, alcohol, or a combination creates a potent, flavorful extract. For a more delicate approach, we’ll cold-steep herbs in liquids for several days, allowing the flavors to gently infuse. Another method we love is muddling fresh herbs directly into the drink, releasing their oils and imparting an immediate herbal punch.
The flavor profiles of our herbal infusions run the gamut – from the woodsy, resinous notes of rosemary to the earthy, slightly minty tones of sage. Lavender lends a floral sweetness, while thyme contributes its bold, peppery essence. By blending these herbs in various combinations, we can craft everything from soothing, aromatic tisanes to zesty, herbaceous cocktails.
Shrubs
Alongside our herbal infusions, we’re big proponents of the age-old tradition of shrubs – fermented fruit and vinegar syrups that add a delightful tang and complexity to beverages. To make a shrub, we start by macerating fresh, seasonal fruits and herbs in raw apple cider vinegar. After allowing the mixture to ferment and develop its signature flavors, we strain it and sweeten it with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
The possibilities for fruit and vinegar combinations are endless – from the autumnal notes of apple and cinnamon to the bright, citrusy zing of grapefruit and thyme. We’ve even experimented with more unexpected pairings, like the earthy sweetness of beets and peaches. The key is finding harmonious flavor profiles that complement one another and showcase the bounty of the farm.
Once our shrub syrups are ready, we have a wealth of options for beverage mixology. A splash of shrub in sparkling water or kombucha creates a refreshing, probiotic-rich fizz. For a more indulgent treat, we’ll incorporate shrubs into cocktails, playing off the tart, acidic notes to balance the sweetness of liquors. And for our non-drinking friends, shrubs make a wonderfully sophisticated mocktail when blended with fruit juices or herbal teas.
Cocktail Recipes
Speaking of cocktails, we love to get creative with our herbal infusions and shrubs, putting a farm-fresh spin on classic cocktails. For instance, our Rosemary-Infused Gin and Tonic celebrates the aromatic qualities of this hardy herb, while our Blackberry Shrub Margarita combines the tanginess of our shrub with the bite of tequila.
We also enjoy experimenting with herbal-infused spirits, whether it’s steeping vodka with lavender or barrel-aging bourbon with toasted oak and wild honey. These botanical-forward liquors lend exceptional depth and complexity to our cocktail creations.
And of course, we can’t forget the joys of shrub-based cocktails. Our Raspberry-Rosemary Shrub Collins offers a refreshing, fizzy take on the classic Tom Collins, while the Spiced Pear and Cardamom Shrub makes for a warming, autumnal sipper.
Non-Alcoholic Mocktails
For those in our community seeking non-alcoholic options, we have an array of herbal fizzes and shrub spritzers to delight the palate. Our Elderflower and Lemon Verbena Fizz combines the delicate floral notes of elderflower with the bright, citrusy zing of lemon verbena, while the Blackberry-Sage Shrub Spritzer showcases the earthy, herbaceous flavors of our homemade shrub.
Ingredient Sourcing
At the heart of our farm-to-table beverages is a deep commitment to local, organic produce. We work closely with neighboring family farms to source the freshest, most flavorful herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Many of our partners have been certified organic for decades, ensuring that the ingredients we use are not only delicious but also sustainably and ethically grown.
The seasonal availability of our ingredients is a crucial consideration. We time our herb plantings and fruit harvests to align with the natural rhythms of the land, ensuring that each sip captures the essence of the moment. Whether it’s the bright, summery notes of a strawberry shrub or the warm, cozy flavors of a mulled apple cider, our drinks are a true reflection of the farm’s bounty.
Presentation and Garnishes
No farm-to-table cocktail or mocktail is complete without thoughtful presentation. We carefully select our glassware to suit the drink’s flavors and aromas, whether it’s a classic Collins glass, a delicate coupe, or a rustic mason jar.
Garnishes are where we really get to showcase the beauty of our farm. Edible flowers, like the vibrant purple hues of our lavender or the sunny petals of our marigolds, add a visually stunning touch. Slices of fresh fruit, sprigs of herbs, and even dehydrated citrus wheels lend both flavor and flair to our beverages.
Whether you’re sipping on a herbal-infused cocktail, savoring a shrub-based mocktail, or simply enjoying a refreshing glass of seasonal iced tea, we hope that our farm-to-table drinks transport you to the beauty and bounty of Crooked Pines Farm. Cheers!
