One thing I’ve noticed during this pandemic is the wide variety of hobbies people are engaging in. You can’t miss it if you’re on social media and I love seeing all of the interesting new endeavors people are attempting. My niece is making patches with her sewing machine. Lots of my friends are expanding their gardening activities. Many of us are cooking and baking much more than usual. Knitting, crochet, puzzles, reading- you name it, people are doing it now. And if not now, when??
In addition to baking, the one hobby I am into lately is finding new cocktail recipes with ingredients I normally wouldn’t use. Case in point- the Ramos Gin Fizz. I had one of these lusciously creamy cocktails years ago (in Northern California, I think?) and I’ve been wanting to make one lately. BUT one of the cocktail’s ingredients is orange flower water. Say what? Seeing how I have a little extra free time these days, I researched this item and found it can be used as a toner for your skin, a moisturizer for your hair and can also add a subtle flavor to your favorite sweets. What the heck, I ordered a small bottle for $9 on Amazon. Online shopping- another fun pandemic hobby!!
I made the Gin Fizz both with and without the orange flower water and I have to admit I liked it better without it. But if you like a subtle floral flavor in your cocktail, you might want to try it. My son liked the version with the orange flower water and thought it tasted like a grape popsicle. Intriguing….
Ramos Gin Fizz
1 1/2 oz. gin
1 oz. simple syrup
1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 egg white
1 oz. heavy cream
3 drops orange flower water
1-2 oz. club soda
In a shaker, combine all ingredients except soda and shake vigorously to combine. Add ice cubes and shake again for at least a minute. Pour into a tall glass and top with club soda. Garnish with an orange wheel.
The Ramos Gin Fizz has more ingredients than my usual cocktail recipes, but for the most part they are fairly easy to come by. And if you are one of us who has a little extra time on your hands, you may not mind the slightly longer prep time this drink requires. I think it’s worth it!
