Picture a beautiful sun shiny spring day, and you, after spending the morning planting flowers, taking a moment to lounge and admire your lovely yard while sipping a tasty mocktail. I had a day just like this today! Thanks to Nielsen-Massey, the mocktail part came true. In honor of spring, Nielsen-Massey is sharing with us some fresh drink recipes to relax with, use for a party, or share with friends.Did you know that vanilla extract could be used in cocktails and drinks? I use it regularly in baking, but until about 5 or 6 years ago never used it in a drink. (See my recipe for “Fun Tea” here). If you haven’t tried making drinks with extracts, here is a yummy
one from Nielsen-Massey to try:
Lemon Lime Raspberry TwistStart off by making a Lemon-Vanilla Simple Syrup. In a small saucepan, add 3/4 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar (I used organic cane), and 1/4 tsp Nielsen-Massey Pure Lemon Extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until syrup reduces, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then add 1/2 tsp Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract.To assemble the mocktail: mottle 6 fresh raspberries, 1/2fl. oz fresh lime juice (approx. 1 large lime), and 1/2fl. oz Lemon-Vanilla Simple Syrup in a cocktail shaker (or mason jar :)). Then add 3 fl. oz of lemon sparkling water ( I used regular Pellegrino) and shake. Strain mixture over a glass of ice (I didn’t strain so I could eat the pieces of raspberries!). Garnish with a lime twist and freshly squeezed orange or lemon wedge and raspberries.I’m a fan of Nielsen-Massey high quality vanillas. See my previous review of Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract here. I was so excited to try their Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract this time; it was lighter, with fruity notes and perfect for the Lemon Lime Raspberry Twist. I was also excited to try Nielsen-Massey’s Lemon Extract which was flavorful and rich. After trying this superior extract, I’m setting my sites on looking for their Almond, Chocolate, Coffee, Orange, Peppermint, Rose Water & Orange Blossom Water extracts the next time I shop.
