Herbal Elixirs: Back by popular demand, herb-infused liquors are inspiring a new wave of cocktails, aperitifs, and cordials. Where can you find these delectable drinks? Right in your backyard

摘要

Take a trip to the liquor store or have a drink at the neighborhood restaurant bar, and you might notice an herbal resurgence in progress. Rosemary infused vodka, lavender martinis, tequila with pomegranate and black pepper—herbs are flavoring some of our favorite cocktails and gracing the drink menus of the hippest bars. For centuries, people have been incorporating herbs and spices into wine, spirits, and elixirs. Because of their curative properties, many of these flavorful plants were used in healing tonics formulated to target specific illnesses. Health practitioners prescribed others to prolong life and promote youthfulness. Gradually, many herbal potions, like absinthe, benedic-tine and chartreuse, made their way into social settings where drinkers imbibed them in celebration or with close friends. Today the trend continues, but you don't have to tip your bartender to get a taste of cilantro-kissed tequila. Just grab your scissors and head into the herb garden; you'll find all the spice you need to make your own herb-infused alcohol.