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Cocktail History
The Early Spring is a modern cocktail that was created in 2021 by Absolut Vodka for the release of their rhubarb edition. The recipe highlights the vodka’s sweet vegetable flavor by pairing it with floral lavender syrup, bright lemon, and dill and tops it all with carbonated soda water.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Rhubarb Vodka: This is a type of vodka made with rhubarb, grains, vegetables or fruits, and alcohol. This recipe specifically calls for Absolut Juice Rhubarb Edition, but I used Pearse Lyons Distillery Ha’Penny Rhubarb Gin.
Lavender Syrup: This is a sweetener made with lavender, sugar, citric acid, and water. I used Floral Elixir Company Lavender Elixir.
Lemon Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lemon. I used freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Soda Water: This is a type of water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. I used Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water.
Dill Sprig: This is an herb.
Flower: This is an edible flower that can be used as a garnish.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Pale pink-ish purple color with an ombré effect
• Aroma: Sour dill accented with citrus
• Taste: Light-bodied and mostly sweet taste of florals and slightly bitter rhubarb
• Finish: Lavender notes and bubbly soda
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “I like it when I come across a simple drink that checks all of the boxes of seasonality. Lavender syrup aside, this cocktail’s ingredients are fairly accessible, and when combined, they create a refreshing spring spritzer that reminds me of a bountiful garden. I would love to sip on an Early Spring while getting my plant starts moved into their new dirt homes at the start of the spring season.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Difford’s Guide, an online guide to cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs.
Early Spring
The Early Spring is a modern cocktail that was created in 2021 by Absolut Vodka for the release of their rhubarb edition. The recipe highlights the vodka’s sweet vegetable flavor by pairing it with floral lavender syrup, bright lemon, and dill and tops it all with carbonated soda water.
Ingredients
Method
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Add rhubarb vodka, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into a highball glass over fresh cracked ice.
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Top with soda water.
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Garnish with dill sprigs and flower.
