love is only for the brave

To Be So Lonely

We’re getting so close to the end, friends!

This week I am taking on my interpretation of To Be So Lonely. This one is definitely a bit different to what I’ve done previous - I had a thing in mind and it kind of haunted my dreams. It’s smoky, peaty, sweet, bitter. It has it all.

Like all my cocktails, this does require some prep! But, I assure you its worth it. I know it may not be everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended), but give it a try! Who knows, it may become your go-to. ;)

This weeks tip jar goes to The 519 - A City of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership, they strive to make a real difference in people’s lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding and respect. If you have the means, please consider donating - and if you can’t, a signal boost is always welcome!

Let’s get this arrogant son of a bitch started, shall we?

TO PREP

Rosemary Honey Syrup

¼ cup honey

1/3 cup water

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 3 tbsp of dried!)

2 strips of lemon rind

In saucepan over medium heat, add honey and water and stir until well combined. Bring to a gentle boil.

Bring heat to a simmer, add rosemary and lemon rind and stir gently. Let sit on simmer for about 5 minutes.

Turn off heat and let mixture steep for 20 minutes. Cool and store in airtight container (you can leave the rosemary and lemon in!) Syrup lasts for about 2 weeks.

FOR THE DRINK

1 oz rosemary honey syrup

2 oz cold, brewed black tea (Can use an orange pekoe or an English breakfast!)

2 oz Blended Scotch (blended scotch has a mix of whiskey and scotch- for this drink you’ll want something with that smokey-peaty flavour!)

½ oz of lemon juice

Sprig of rosemary & lemon wheel (for garnish)

In shaker with ice, combine syrup, tea, scotch and lemon juice. Shake until outside of shaker is very cold.

Strain into rocks glass with new ice (I used a large ice cube for this, but you can use any ice you have on hand!)

With a lighter, carefully run a flame along the tips of the rosemary - do not set it on fire! You just want to bring out the essential oils. Run the rosemary along the rim of the glass.

Garnish with the rosemary and lemon wheel.

Omissions: You could make this with a whiskey if scotch is not your thing. I do definitely suggest trying it with the scotch first, but again: if you don’t like scotch, a whiskey could work.

To make it non-alcoholic: omit the scotch, add everything else together for a earthy-sweet iced tea (just add more tea and honey, of course!)

And as always: while I am very happy to share my ideas on here: please don’t steal them as your own! Otherwise: enjoy responsibly and send me pictures if you decide to try it!! I track #hscocktailhour!

DISRESPECTFUL 

It’s Not Personal, It’s Business by sweettartine

Harry wore his hair down, brushed until it shone, pushed back and carefully tousled out of his face. It was a little cold for his shirt to be so unbuttoned, but it felt rare to get to dress up and not wear his chefs whites that he bakes in every day. He was wearing black-on-black, and had been careful not to accidentally get flour on himself on his way out the door.

Harry had gotten to the cafe first, apparently, and had ordered an iced coffee while he waited for Tom to get there. He had a rose in a copy of Norwegian Wood set out on the table. The signal that they had agreed on. Under the table, his foot kept bouncing, keeping in time with the spikes of anxiety that he was feeling.

Tom was late.

He’d messaged Harry to let him know, but he could arrive at any moment, and Harry’s shaky hands had almost knocked over his iced coffee about five times.

At four fifteen, he almost jumped out of his skin when he heard the door open. But it wasn’t Tom. He only knew that it wasn’t Tom because it was Louis. Why was it fucking Louis? Shit. Fuck. Harry tried to casually hide himself behind his hand so Louis wouldn’t see him there. Why was he here, ruining yet another part of Harry’s life?

*

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