One of my favorite books is The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton. If you haven’t read it yet, I suggest you pick up a copy soon! It’s a beautifully written story, rich with magical realism and quirky characters. When I read it, I found it so haunting and unique that the feelings stayed with me long after I closed the cover. The best description I can give it is “strange and beautiful” AND sorrowful, but also wonderful and inspiring.
What could make this book even more enjoyable? Sipping a delicious lavender martini while reading it! The lavender martini is another favorite of mine, ever since I had one at The Fairmont Hotel one Christmas. It’s sweet, beautiful and a little bit strange.
So make yourself a drink with the recipe below, grab the book and transport yourself into the magical world of Ava Lavender.
What You Will Need:
- Lavender Gourmet Syrup
- Lemons
- Vanilla Vodka (or lemonade for a virgin drink)
- Purple Sanding Sugar
- Lavender (for garnish)
Ingredients for one martini:
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka (substitute with lemonade)
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce lavender syrup
*I like mine a bit sweeter and sourer so I add a bit more syrup and lemon juice.
Instructions:
-
Wet the rim of a martini glass with a fresh lemon. Dip edge into a plate of sugar, making sure to cover the entire rim.
-
Add vanilla vodka, lemon juice and lavender syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
-
Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a sprig of lavender or a lemon slice.
Have you read the book? Let me know in the comments below. And if you decide to try this recipe, tweet me your martini pics at @intoastory!
“Why would you be given wings if you weren’t meant to fly?”
– Leslye Walton, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
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