I am attempting to practice taking more artsy pictures, but alas photography is not my forte. Can you tell? This is one of the many things I’ve told myself I would work on while I have so much time at home during the pandemic. It can go on the list with learning to speak French, working out, studying for the CSW, perfecting my croissants, rearranging/cleaning out my room, creating new recipes, and learning yoga. This is about half of my “to do” list and about only half of that is actually happening.

Does anyone else believe in astrology? Well I do. Not to an extreme, but it is crazy how on point my sign, Virgo, is with my personality. I like perfection and I like to have a lot of work to do. This often leads to what I just mentioned above… me giving myself way to many projects that are impossible to perfect all at once and I give up. My project should be learning to focus on one thing at a time. Luckily I follow through with the important projects like creating new recipes and drinks!

I have an insane amount of chilis and kumquats at the moment. I made a kumquat chili syrup to add a little kick to a refreshing citrussy martini for times where you need a little brightness added to your day. Enjoy!

-2oz Malfy Con Arcancia Blood Orange Gin

-0.5oz Lillet Blanc

-Bar Spoon Chili Kumquat Syrup

-Spritz of Lemon Juice

-Garnish: Expressed Lemon Peel

Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Pour in gin, Lillet Blanc, chili kumquat syrup, and lemon juice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Take the lemon, yellow facing the glass, gently squeezing in half to force oils out before running it around the rim of the glass. Enjoy while pretending you are on your dream vacation!

Notes: If you are not a gin person you can swap out the Malfy for a blood orange vodka.