concord grapes are still in season and covered in bees at the local greenmarket. we've seen lots of great inspirations of how to use them around town - jellies, sorbet and a wonderful cocktail at Gramercy Tavern. we used these delicious seasonal grapes last year in an amazing grape tart. this year we decided to try a cocktail, The Grape Crush. make the grape concentrate and simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so you can whip up a cocktail whenever you feel the urge! hope everyone has a great weekend and a happy halloween!
The Grape Crush
serves 1
2 oz Hendricks gin
1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
1 oz grape concentrate, see recipe below
2 tbs lemon simple syrup, see recipe below
4 oz soda water
in a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, grape concentrate, simple syrup and ice. shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice. top with soda water, stir and enjoy.
Concord Grape Concentrate
1 lb concord grapes, stems removed
2 tbs lemon juice
combine grapes and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over high heat. cook, stirring frequently, until grapes release their juices, about 7 minutes. strain through a fine mesh sieve and cool completely.
Lemon Simple Syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1-inch zest of lemon
combine sugar, water and lemon in a small saucepan over high heat. bring to a boil and cook just until sugar is dissolved. remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. discard lemon zest and let syrup cool completely.