Lucien and Sabine got into a bit of a spat when discussing what to showcase as the first libation after the public launch of Blackthorn. Sabine was pushing for a rare, ancient wine but since her list of options and ideas was growing longer by the second Lucien overruled her and left her to her own devices in the depths of The Vault. 

So we're kicking off May with a classic cocktail instead. A Lavender Lemon Gin Rickey that's perfect for the season as we celebrate Beltane, the height of spring and the coming summer season. 

Drink in the History: The Rickey

While the history is many famous cocktails have been lost to the haze of alcohol we do know the story about how the Rickey came to be. 

The story goes that this particular cocktail was created by Washington bartender George A. Williamson to fit the specifications of Democratic lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey in the 1880s. The bar Williamson worked at, known as Shoomaker’s, was frequently patronised by Rickey, amongst other politicians and journalists, and came to be one of the more infamous bars in the Washington area during the period.

The hedonistic nature of the haunt was epitomised by its publican, William Shoomaker, who was said to be able to drink a whole bottle of champagne without stopping for breath. (Though Harold is adamant that this is a lie, but refuses to elaborate further.) 

Rickey was campaigned for presidential candidate Grover Cleveland, a two-term president in 1884 and 1892. On a hot, muggy day on the campaign trail Rickey ordered up a drink of lime, seltzer and originally a bar-made rye whiskey to try and beat the heat.  And then he just kept ordering them. So the drink was officially named after Rickey.

Lavender Lemon Gin Rickey Recipe 

Makes 2 Drinks

Ingredients: 

3 oz Gin 

4 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 tbls honey 

4 oz sparkling water 

2 spring fresh lavender 

2 lemon wedges 

Pour the gin, lemon juice and honey into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into 2 glasses filled with ice and top with the seltzer water. Garnish each glass with a sprig of lavender and a wedge of lemon and enjoy. 

Sip as you think thoughts of spring, the warmer weather to come, and the idea of new beginnings. Esme purposely slipped Lucien the lavender for this drink because of it's calming and soothing properties that are essential for creating a relaxed atmosphere for all of your Beltane and springtime rituals. Better yet, if the weather isn't quite warm where you are yet, sip you cocktail in the tub and dream of summer.