The Bee's Knees
Last week, Delaware gave me a gift: time. Time to think. Time to let my mind wander. Time to look around at people and buildings and flowers. Time to remember what it feels like to do all those things. I LOVE being a mom. My sons are truly my favorite people on this planet and I wouldn’t trade the tired, messy-haired, chaotic, loud life we have for anything in the entire universe. That doesn’t mean that I don’t miss having some time here and there to reflect on even the simplest moments. That includes the moments I spend with my children. I’m always in such a rush that I can’t seem to just let things happen. That became painfully clear to me when we were on a walk the other day and my oldest son said he wanted to sit on a big rock on the trail and rest. The only thing I could focus on was the fact that it was close to bedtime. Pajamas needed to be put on, teeth needed to be brushed, and we were on a strict schedule to have the kids in bed by 8pm. As we walked up the hill toward home, I felt like I got punched in the stomach. Why couldn’t I just let my 5 year old sit on that giant rock, soaking in the sites and sounds of dusk? Why is everything such a rush?
I don’t necessarily know the answer to those questions. But I do know that tomorrow we are going right back to that rock. And I know that I’m going to do what I can to slow down and enjoy the simple things: holding the sweet hands of my 5 and 2 year old boys, watching them play together, letting them get dirty, and thinking back on those moments often.
This afternoon, my 2 year old was playing in a planter in the backyard. We don’t have a sandbox, so the dirt in that planter is irresistible for him. He took two fistfuls of dirt, squeezing tight with his little fingers, looked over at me with a sly grin and said, “Surprise!” as he tossed the dirt into the air. It went everywhere. And I felt this tiny sense of accomplishment when I was able to laugh with him instead of fret about the dirt in his hair and on his clothes and all over the back patio. Because guess what? Life is messy. And kids have the right idea: love the mess and make it fun.
What does any of this have to do with this cocktail? Not one little thing. Except that maybe it will get you to slow down and enjoy a lovely spring evening with something pretty to sip. This sweet and sour stunner has a frothy egg white layer that I like to sprinkle with some bee pollen. Simple, well-balanced, and perfect for ushering in Spring.
Notes
It seems like there is way too much honey in this cocktail. There is not. Trust.
If you don’t have bee pollen, cayenne pepper makes a gorgeous garnish and the hint of heat is just perfect! Chipotle Chili Powder would be lovely as well.
If you are doubling this recipe, you don’t need to double the amount of egg white. One will give you enough froth for two cocktails.
It says to ‘shake vigorously’ for 30 seconds. This is not the time to be timid, friends! Shake it. Shake it real good. I said REAL GOOD!
The Bee's Knees
Makes 1 Cocktail
2 oz gin
2 oz runny honey (if honey is too thick, heat it gently in the microwave with a little water - this helps it to be the right texture so you don’t end up with globs of honey in your cocktail)
1 egg white
1 oz fresh lemon juice
bee pollen for garnish (optional)
Put all the ingredients except the bee pollen in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until the egg white is frothy.
Add some ice to the shaker and give it a couple more shakes to chill the cocktail.
Use a spoon to hold the frothy egg whites back while you pour the liquid into two chilled cocktail glasses. Spoon the froth over the top of each cocktail and sprinkle with bee pollen.
