Celery gin fizz 

Fresh, fizzy cocktail!

I know what you’re probably thinking. “She’s taking this kitchen-inspired cocktails thing a little too far. A celery flavoured drink? Really?” Well, all I can say in response is don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, especially if you prepare it with fabulous, local celery as I did thanks to Just Farms at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market. This is one awesome libation. Fresh, fizzy and a just a little sassy – don’t be surprised if your friends suddenly think you’re a mixologist par excellence after you serve up a round of these beauties.

Ingredients

For the celery syrup:

• 1 cup (250 mL) celery leaves (or 3/4 cup/185 mL chopped celery stalks)
• 1 cup (250 mL) water
• 1 cup (250 mL) white sugar

For one cocktail:

• 5 ounces (45 mL) gin
• 1/2 ounce (15 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 5 ounces (45 mL) celery syrup
• soda water
• ice
• celery stalk for garnish

Method

• Combine celery leaves (or chopped stalks), water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10 minutes.
• Strain syrup into a clean jar; cover and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
• To make one cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker or 500 mL jar (with lid) with ice.
• Add gin, lime juice and celery syrup.
• Cover and shake well for 1 minute to blend and chill the drink.
• Strain into a cocktail glass. Add 2 ice cubes and top with soda water. Garnish with a celery stalk.

Recipe makes 1 cup (250 mL) of celery syrup.