Surprises, especially the little welcome variety, don't happen so much anymore.
Now, too much information gets in the way.
May Day used to mean leaving flowers--namely lily of of the valley--in baskets on a special someone's doorstep, ringing the doorbell, then running away giggling.
Flowers are a lovely gesture.
But so is booze.
Even better when it sings of spring's strawberries and elderflowers and the herb garden's earliest riser.
The lemonade's a carefree beacon of summer.
As the custom went:
If the receiver caught the giver in the act, then a kiss was exchanged.
Cheers to surprises!
May Day strawberry lemonade
Serves 1
- 3-4 ripe strawberries, cut into pieces
- juice from 1/2 a large lemon
- 5 leaves of mint, roughly torn, plus a sprig for garnish
- 1-oz. limoncello
- 1-oz. St-Germain
- 1-oz. vodka
- sparkling water
Combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and mint leaves in a tumbler. Muddle until the strawberries (and your mouth) release their juices, and the mint, its fragrance.
Add the limoncello, St-Germain, and vodka. Fill with ice and stir.
Top with sparkling water (if there's any room) and garnish with the mint sprig.
Put it in front of someone you love and run away giggling--or else pucker up.