COCKTAILS and MOCKTAILS that HEAL YOUR SPIRIT
THE sun is shinning today in Michigan as a blanket of frigid cold and snow pierces the land. I reflect on the healing plants indigenous to this territory, this state. I think of the earlier settlers here, and what they went through to endure the cold of Winter to come out on the other side alive and healthy looking to spring for new beginnings. Did you know that Michigan is Sacred, it is home to Twelve Federally recognized Native American Tribes. My first Healing Cocktail has its roots in the Middle ages. One of the components is a spray of thieves oil. Thieves oil has its origins in the 15th century. The original thieves oil was created during the Black Plague by French “thieves”. The blend was originally created from herbs and was invented as an antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial. It is thought that the original oil was created to protect “thieves” from getting sick while they stole goods from plague victims.
The “thieves” from the story didn't start out as thieves, but as spice traders and merchants from India and Europe who traded clove and cinnamon. However, when the Black Plague began ravaging the population these merchants needed a way to make a living. So, in their desperation, they began to steal what wares they could from the dead. The bodies they stole from were still highly contagious, so the “thieves” needed protection. With their vast knowledge of herbs and spices, they were able to invent “thieves” oil for protection. The King eventually found out about these thieves and had them caught. When they were brought before His Majesty they were given a choice, share your secret or be burned at the stake. Naturally they told their secret and the “thieves” oil recipe began to spread, and eventually became one of the most popular blends in many households today.
The following Cocktail has a strong Olfactory sense to it , The olfactory sense, or sense of smell, provides significant benefits to the human brain by directly connecting to the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory, allowing smells to trigger strong emotional responses and vivid memories, essentially acting as a powerful tool for recalling past experiences and influencing mood and behavior; it also plays a role in food selection, social interactions, and can even contribute to feelings of well-being and quality of life.
THIEVES
Thieves Oil (I make and sell my own Blend, Mine is complemented with blood orange oil instead of Lemon oil. I feel this compliments the notes and flavors in the cocktail. It is a strong antibacterial, antiviral and boosts the immune system.
Cynar
Lofi Gentian Amaro
Rye Whiskey
Ice
Elderberry Mocktail (LOVES KISS)
Now that you have made elderberry syrup, you can use it to an elderberry cocktail or Mocktail. My rendition brings to mind a LIME RICKEY. Though elderberry syrup is most popular in the colder months, you can enjoy these drinks year-round.
In the winter, mix elderberry syrup into a cocktail like an old-fashioned or LIME RICKEY.
Elderberry Cough Syrup
Filled with antioxidants and flavanoids to enhance immunity. Elderberry syrup is delicious on its own, mixed into cocktails and used for medicinal purposes as well.
Ingredients
¾ cup dried Elderberries
3 cups water
4 Cloves
2 Cinnamon sticks
2 pieces Orange zest about 3 inches
1 piece Ginger root about 3 inches, finely diced
¾ cup Honey
instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest and diced ginger root.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. The mixture will have reduced by half. Remove from heat.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the elderberries, spices and citrus peels.
Stir in honey until combined.
Let cool completely. Use as a cough syrup or make a Divine Cocktail or Mocktail. Store in the fridge in an airtight container, like a bottle or jar, for up to 1 month.
ELderberry Lime Rickey
Can You Make an Alcoholic Version?
The original lime rickey was made with bourbon, and you could certainly spike your drink with it but feel free to get creative. Gin, vodka, and even rum would work well with the Elderberry syrup and lime in this drink.
This recipe is a pitcher drink that serves 6, but its easy to scale up or down for both large crowds or if you just want to have a solo drink on a hot summer day.
To Make a Elderberry Lime Rickey for One: Combine 3 tablespoons raspberry syrup and 2 tablespoons lime juice in a tall glass filled with ice. And top it off with 6 to 8 ounces of seltzer and enjoy.
ELDERBERRY LIME RICKEY
Servings 6 drinks
Ingredients
For the Elderberry lime rickeys
1 cup Elderberry syrup
3/4 cup lime juice
48 ounces club soda or unflavored seltzer
Lime wedges or rounds, for garnish