Spirited Spirits: The Beauty Parlour
Summer is inherently a time rich to enjoy the natural beauty of the world; long days combined with plentiful gardens, gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, and even the trees in their majestic green glory against the bright blue skies give us plenty to appreciate this time of year. Beyond that, summer is also a time for vacations, spending more time with the family, and taking a minute to step back and enjoy the little things. However, ample opportunity doesn’t make every moment beautiful. Summer also ends up being the busiest time for many people, and that can create a struggle in finding the time to accomplish everything that you have to do as well as everything that you want to do. The worst are those moments when you finally get those moments that you’ve been craving, and all you can’t seem to focus on what’s in front of you. This cordial is something I’ve been keeping in my fridge for a bit now, helping me to appreciate the moment I’m in and to remember the beauty in everything around me.
The Ingredients
Apricot: Apricot, as well as most stone fruit, has a long history of use for love, attraction, and beauty. Oftentimes, they can be used to help strengthen romantic bonds between couples or to encourage romance. Apricots are great for bringing romance. They have also been used to promote skin health and a youthful glow. Here, we are capitalizing on the beauty association; it’s not only for yourself, but the world around you. Flowers will pop out just a bit more, the people you're with will draw your attention more, and you’ll find yourself more drawn into the world around you.
Ginger: Ginger is a very common spice used for promoting energy, health, and boosting the other aspects of your spellwork. Although the health benefits from this are a great added bonus, it’s the energy and the empowerment that we’re looking for here. As passionate as we can be about things sometimes, we can feel run down or burnt out on the things we love the most even when we finally get the chance to partake in it. Adding that extra energy, adding that extra heat to help rekindle that passion, will help you remember why you enjoy these things in the first place.
Sichuan Peppercorns: Although not technically a peppercorn, these provide a similar sharp spice to the black pepper, with a bit more of a citrusy, floral note to it. It also adds a numbing sensation to it, leaving your taste buds more open to the rest of the profile. Akin to black pepper, it’s going to be good for banishing, protection, and for accelerating the rest of the intentions in the blend. Sichuan peppercorns additionally add that numbing idea as well, drowning out the noise in your mind. This can lead to increases in clarity and help focusing, as well as keeping you centered in the moment.
How to use this cordial
We touched on a lot of ways to use cordials recently (Helpful Techniques: Cordials), and this one is just as versatile as the general recipes. The quickest way, and one of my personal favorites, is using this as a soda base. In a glass, add one and a half ounces of the cordial to six ounces of club soda, then add ice. It is a delicious way to sit back and appreciate the world around me, wherever I am. For some alcoholic options, this makes a wonderful highball. Take your soda recipe, then add one and a half ounces of the liquor of your choice to it! It also goes beautifully in martinis, old fashioned, and aperol spritzes as well!
The Beauty Parlour
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Apricot Cordial
- 6 oz Club Soda
- Optional: 1 1/2 oz Liquor of choice
- 2 Cups Apricot Nectar
- 1 cup of Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
- 1 1/2 tsp Sichuan Peppercorns
- 1/2 piece of peeled ginger
Instructions
- In a small pot, toast your peppercorns until aromatic.
- Grate the ginger into the pan, then add your nectar, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Bring it to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and reduce slightly.
- Allow to come to room temperature.
- Strain out any solids, then bottle.
- Lasts for 3-4 weeks.
- Add your cordial, and optional liquor, of choice to a glass
- Top off with club soda
- Add ice.