THE Sip: Stoli Rosemary & Lavender Vodka Lemonade

Obviously the LOVE is what will make your wedding a memory you'll always cherish but I'm not going to lie - the details are important too.

This rosemary & lavender Stoli vodka lemonade is THE perfect wedding cocktail. The rosemary and lavender offer a fragrant and savory balance to the sweetness of the sparkling lemonade. I use sparkling lemonade because effervescence is key. And bubbles just make you want to celebrate, right?

Everyone wants their wedding to be special, so this drink needed a unique element.  Instead of directly infusing the cocktail with the lavender & rosemary, I muddled the herbs together and mixed them with lemonade on the stovetop.  When the mixture cooled, I poured it in the ice tray and made lavender and rosemary lemonade ice cubes.  As the ice cubes melt, the cocktail gets an extra surge of flavor and intrigue.

I married Christopher in the first year after Prop 8 was repealed. When the minister said, "By the power vested in me, by the State of California…" everyone attending our wedding stood up and cheered. It was very sweet and it felt important; it was definitely something to celebrate. I like to think that memory is infused in this recipe.

Stoli Lavender & Rosemary Vodka Lemonade
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:
• 2 cups lemonade
• 4 sprigs of lavender, minced
• 3 sprigs of rosemary, minced
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup Stoli vodka
• Chilled sparkling lemonade or club soda (depending on your preference)

Instructions:
1. Place a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat.
2. Pour the lemonade into the pan and add sugar, minced lavender and rosemary.
3. Bring the lemonade and herbs to a soft boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 3-5 minutes.
4. Pour the infused lemonade into a freezer-safe container and cool for 20 minutes.
5. Pour the cooled lemonade into an ice tray and freeze.
6. Pour the vodka into a medium sized pitcher then fill with chilled sparkling lemonade or club soda.
7. Remove ice cubes from freezer, place 3 ice cubes in an 8 oz glass and fill with the sparkling vodka lemonade (or club soda).
8. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
9. Tip: This drink looks great served in a mason jar.

Photos: Jesse Brune