Enjoying this recipe?
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
Are you the type who enjoys putting a new spin on your favorite drink recipes? Do you find yourself adding a dash of this, or a hint of that, to create something deliciously new, yet reminiscent of something you already love? That’s exactly what I’ve done with the Bless the Bees cocktail! As you likely know, grapefruit juice is, and always has been, a popular choice for cocktails. Mix it with tequila and you’ve got a Paloma. Shake it with vodka or gin, and it’s a Greyhound. Add a salted rim and ta-da, its a Salty Dog! Small changes can make a world of difference, and if you’re up for adding a few extra ingredients to the traditional Greyhound, then you’re ready for a Bless the Bees.
Since we’re riffing on a classic, why not learn it’s history? I recently learned that the first documented Greyhound recipe appeared in 1930 and was aptly named after growing popular among travelers making their way through Greyhound bus terminals. This cocktail has certainly stood the test of time and, while its more than delicious as is, I figured a new rendition couldn’t hurt! And for this new take, we’re adding egg whites. While they don’t effect the taste of the cocktail, they add a distinct foamy texture that elevates the drink to a whole new level. The elderflower and lavender certainly do their part too!
Step 1: Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker without ice and seal.
Step 2: Shake vigorously until egg white is foamy, about 10 seconds.
This is called a dry shake– a method used to combine the egg whites with the rest of the cocktail while giving it a nice frothy texture.
When should you stir a cocktail and when should you shake? Well, when you shake a cocktail, not only does it dilute your final product– it changes its texture. When you stir– it simply chills and dilutes your drink. So, it all comes down to what your ingredients are. For example a drink with egg white will need a shake to create foam.
Step 3: Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
Step 4: Strain into a cocktail glass and dash bitters atop the egg-white foam.
What are bitters? Bitters are a common ingredient used in many different recipes– but what purpose do they actually serve? Well, bitters is alcohol that’s infused with different botanicals to create a bitter or bittersweet flavor. They are added to cocktails to create a more complex flavor profile– balancing out the taste of your sip.
By mixing in new flavors in alongside the tried and true, I’ve taken the Greyhound–a long-standing fan favorite–and turned it into something so much more. All it took was a little clever mixology, a dash of experimentation, and a taste-test or two. And voila! The Bless the Bees cocktail was born. This process is exactly why I encourage all burgeoning home bartenders to jump in and get creative. Don’t be intimidated! There’s no need to be a certified pro in order to dream up great cocktail recipes! You never know where your taste buds might lead you.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
