Zesty Celery Sour

While attending a mixology class, I learned how to make different simple syrups, including celery-flavored. This in turn lead to playing with different ingredients and alas, the Zesty Celery Sour was born! Don't be fooled by the celery - it might sound weird, but it surprises everyone that tries it! I developed the recipe using pickled jalapenos, however I have since made it with fresh and it's equally as tasty. This will make enough simple syrup for several drinks.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 3 mins
• Total Time: 18 mins
• Calories: 543 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup white sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 ½ fluid ounces vodka
• 1 cup ice cubes, or as needed
• ¾ fluid ounce lemon juice
• 3 pickled jalapeno pepper slices

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place celery, celery seed, and salt in a food processor. Pulse several times until completely blended. Press mixture through a fine mesh strainer with the back of a wooden spoon into a bowl; you will be left with about 1/2 cup of liquid.

Step 2

Place celery liquid and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Refrigerate until needed.

Step 3

Place ice, vodka, 3/4 fluid ounce celery simple syrup, lemon juice, and 2 jalapeno slices in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds; strain into an ice-filled cocktail tumbler. Garnish with remaining jalapeno slice.