@Hangar1Vodka gingerade w/ spring herbs | dolly and oatmeal #FreshPickedVodka

spring is nearly here and i couldn't be more grateful! the beginning of this year brought on quite a bit of personal stress, so i'm extremely excited to let the winter pass by, and hold on to the more fond memories it gave us. the air has been a little more dense with moisture as opposed to the light, crisp air we've had for most of the winter (except those days when it was nearly 60 degrees - wink-wink). the sun is showering us with more of its golden light, and there are more and more morning chirps from the birds in our crab apple tree.

for me, spring is the most optical season - where one can witness life and growth so vividly, and experience just how darn amazing this planet is. it's also the time of year where we collectively emerge from hibernation mode and perhaps seek long walks, fresh air, getting our hands in some dirt, and having friends over for weekend get togethers.

early spring is still somewhat bare here in nyc. aside from croqueses and forsythia, the first few signs are when mint, oregano, and thyme leaves casually pop through the earth, or when i notice that there are tiny chive shoots breaking through as well. and even though they're tiny gestures, it's still a sign of all the abundance that's yet to come!

i partnered up with H angar 1 Vodka a few months ago to celebrate vodka picking season, and the fresh ingredients they infuse their vodka with. and while i wasn't partaking in any alcoholic beverages for most of the winter, an afternoon cocktail party to honor the impending spring months, and its seasonal goods was too compelling to pass up. i wanted to create something bright and lively, so a zippy vodka gingerade seemed the like the perfect thing to enliven the senses for this new season! the punchy gingerade is made from fresh steeped ginger that's blended up, and sieved; it's then mixed with fresh lemon-lime juice and agave for a sweet, spicy, and citrusy blender. there's also an assortment of muddled spring herbs, fizzy water, and Hangar 1 Straight Vodka for good measure ;)

all the warm, sunny spring vibes to you! xo

*this post was created in partnership with Hangar 1 Vodka. all of the opinions expressed, as always, are my own. thank you so much for supporting the sponsors that keep dolly and oatmeal going!

vodka gingerade w/ spring herbs

if you or a guest do not or cannot drink alcohol, the gingerade mixed with sparkling water is a great substitute and tastes delicious.

gingerade

| makes roughly 3 1/2 cups |

1 six-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thin
2 cups water
2 lemons, juiced
3 limes, juiced
1/2 cup raw agave

vodka gingerade

2 parts H angar 1 S traight Vodka
2 sprigs spring herbs (i used a mix of mint, lemon thyme, and marjoram)
2 parts gingerade
1 part sparkling water
ice
lime wedges, to serve

method

to make the gingerade, combine the ginger and water in small a saucepan. bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat off. steep the ginger and water for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the mixture to a blender (preferably a high speed blender, but a regular one will work just as well) and blend on high for 30-45 seconds, until ginger is broken down. pour the ginger-water through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, and discard the pulp. whisk in the lemon juice, lime juice, and agave. let the mixture come to room temperature, then store in a lidded jar. (*note: the mixture will be quite concentrated, so do not be put off by its strong taste, it will be diluted with added with the vodka and sparkling water later on.)
in a lowball glass, crush the herb sprigs, then add the ice, Hangar 1 Straight Vodka, gingerade, and sparkling water; give it a gently stir and serve with lime or lemon wedges.

enjoy!