The new flavour of summer, or, Road rage is nothing compared to borage

[muckefuck]

Today I came back from the old place with a tote bag stuffed full of fluids the movers won't move. Among them was an unopened bottle of grenadine that gathered dust for years in my liquor cabinet; can't even remember what drinks I had in mind when I bought it. Of course, monshu already has an open bottle twice the size sitting in the fridge, so it's no surprise that when I asked him what kind of cocktail I should make for the back porch, he said, "Something with grenadine!"

But what I was in the mood for was a weissbier, since in fact I'd almost stopped off at Big Chicks in order to have one there. And it occurred to me: Himbeer, Granatapfel--one red syrup is as good as another, right? So I poured two Honey Weiss into a plastic mug and loaded in the grenadine. But why stop there? What did we grow all these aromatic herbs for if not adding some interest to our tipples? So I went out to the garden and tore a small borage leaf for a garnish.

WHOAH NELLY! That's one potent plant. A minute or two of steeping, and the cucumbery scent overwhelmed whatever nose the beer had. The flavour was more balanced, but it definitely pushed the pomegranate into the background. monshu suggested picking some borage for the salad, but after he'd had a whiff of my beer, he added, "Maybe a small leaf." Meanwhile, I'm thinking of what else I can dunk it in.

Incidentally, the Gods have finally sent us a day that even I can't complain about. If only I could've spent the whole of it lollygagging on a patio with alcohol in my hand.

Comments

[areia.livejournal.com]

When I was little my grandmother would give me (soda) water with grenadine in it as a summer drink. Very refreshing, and you get to decide for yourself how sweet you want it. Aside from that, I only use it to make Tequila Sunrise.

[danbearnyc.livejournal.com]

Mother enjoys pink gin. It's the only thing to drink at Poona or Ooty.

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

But the pink comes from bitters, not grenadine!

[danbearnyc.livejournal.com]

One is permitted to use grenadine. We verified this with the British Council before posting.

[snousle.livejournal.com]

Borage is one of my favorite herbs. No idea it made such a strong infusion. I used to use the flowers very extensively when we had it in our garden in San Jose.

[keyne.livejournal.com]

http://jacflash.livejournal.com/178469.html?thread=856101#t856101

[donncha22.livejournal.com]

It's the lovely blue borage flowers that you want to garnish your salad with.

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

No, it's those I want to candy and use to decorate my cakes!