Cocktail of the Month: Downtown Gin & Tonic

Who doesn't love a Gin & Tonic? Every Gin & Tonic should use quality gin and that's just what The Forager Gin distilled at McClintock Distillery in Frederick, Maryland offers! This vapor infused gin is aromatic with a soft juniper scent while offering citrus and earthy floral notes on the palette. Enjoy this Downtown Gin and Tonic on a sunny afternoon or on a warm summer evening.

Instructions:

• 1oz of McClintock Forager Gin
• 1 tbsp of Cranberry Hibiscus shrubs
• Tonic water
• Sprig of rosemary
• Lemon wedge, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Burn fresh rosemary sprig with open flame.
2. Add ice and rosemary in old fashioned glass.
3. Build drink in the glass.
4. Top with tonic water and add lemon wedge for garnish

This gin and tonic will be refreshing and is perfect for summer weather. Enjoy!

- Phoebe Kenney

Cocktail of the Month: Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail for Preakness

The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown series, the first and third being the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, respectively. Preakness happens on the third Saturday in May each year in Baltimore, Maryland and because Baltimore is my hometown, I know what a big deal the festivities are.

The Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is the official cocktail of the Preakness and is named for the blanket of yellow flowers altered to resemble Maryland's state flower placed around the winner's neck. The cocktail reminds me of a sweeter Screwdriver.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup orange juice

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 3 tablespoons vodka

• 3 tablespoons light rum

• 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier)

• Crushed ice

• Garnishes: lime slices, fresh cherries

Instructions: 

1. Stir together first 5 ingredients. Fill 2 (12-oz.) glasses with crushed ice.

2. Pour orange juice mixture over ice.

3. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.

This year's Preakness is May 20th and since you can't be there, now you can make your own at home. Cheers!

Photo Credit: Cocktail Crafty