Midnight Botanist

A modern twist on the classic Gin Gimlet that features botanically infused gin with a touch of midnight blue. This cocktail balances the brightness of lime with the deep, mysterious tones of butterfly pea flower, which gives it a magical, color-changing quality as the drink is mixed. Ingredients: - 2 oz Botanically infused gin (such as Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice or your own infusion with juniper, rose, cucumber, and other botanicals) - 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice - 0.5 oz Simple syrup - 0.25 oz Butterfly pea flower tea concentrate (chilled) - A dash of orange bitters - Edible gold dust for garnish (optional) - Ice cubes Instructions: 1. Begin by preparing your butterfly pea flower tea concentrate. Steep the butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5 minutes, then cool and refrigerate until it's concentrated and chilled. 2. In a shaker, combine the botanically infused gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and a dash of orange bitters. 3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled. 4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. 5. Carefully pour the butterfly pea flower tea concentrate over the back of a spoon so that it trickles down the side of the glass, creating a beautiful layered effect. 6. As an optional touch, lightly sprinkle edible gold dust over the top for a shimmering finish. 7. Stir just before drinking to watch the magic happen — the cocktail will transform from a golden hue to a deep, mystical blue. Serve in a chilled coupe glass with a simple lime wheel or an edible flower garnish to enhance the botanical theme. The Midnight Botanist is a cocktail that not only excites the palate but is also a feast for the eyes, perfect for enchanting guests at any gathering.