elderberry old fashioned

This is a stock photo! Your Elderberry Old Fashioned will be a pretty deep purple hue!

Only the real OG Belden Witch followers might know this fun fact… I was and have been a bartender since I was sixteen years old. Yes, that’s illegal. :) But even at sixteen I had a wonderful way of convincing my manager at the time that it was a bad idea to have me waste my talents as a server when I had the gift of gab and could whip up a mean cocktail, before I actually COULD whip up a cocktail, or even drink legally for that matter. I ended up being a "bar-back” on paper so we snuck around the Massachusetts liquor laws, but don’t tell anyone. It’s fine.

Now a bit older than 16, I worked as a bartender for around 15 years, and still moonlight as one today.

Interestingly enough I love and still crave the whole energy of a restaurant, the busyness, the staff camaraderie, the back of the house - front of the house dynamic, and getting to talk with guests and consistently see your favorite regulars. Not to mention the fast paced, in the weeds, were slammed but crushing it feeling. Pure exhilaration.

Anyways, I don’t find it off brand that bartending was my first love. I loved conjuring up drinks with different flavors and components, all the way to the presentation of glassware and garnish.

Matter of fact, some of my cocktail creations were featured on cocktail lists from the East Coast in Rhode Island to up here high in the Rocky Mountains. And a even had a quick photo cameo that was featured in the Rhode Island Beverage Journal. (Restaurant nerd alert!)

Brief shoutout to anyone I’ve worked with at restaurants over the years. Memories I still hold dear to my heart. You all are the real MVP’s. Love you weirdos.

If you want to learn how to become a hustler. Work in the food service industry, you’ll learn things you never dreamed of, and meet the purest, most authentic, genuine, wildest humans on earth. They work hard and love harder.

It’s no wonder that now I’m conjuring up herbal creations and healing elixirs. And I love to create yummy mocktails and cocktails with these elixirs too. It’s all about balance right?

This is a perfect way to use my Elderberry Elixir, and makes a perfect summer sipper after a long day.

Traditionally Old Fashioned’s are made with bourbon or rye, but the gin in this version paired with the herbs in the elderberry really bring out the fresh & herbaceous notes, and compliment each other really well.

Fun fact: Gin is basically vodka infused with herbs and spices! Don’t believe me? Google it. I can fall down rabbit holes easily, and that’s a blog psot for another day :)

Elderberry Gin Old Fashioned

• 2 oz gin, I love using The Botanist or Hendricks.

• 1/2 oz Elderberry Elixir (I always start with a 1/2 oz and if you’re craving sweeter, you can always add more)

• 2 dashes Orange Bitters

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• Garnish with a fresh lemon peel

Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass, preferrably with one big rock. (You can find cocktail ice cube trays as most stores and for sure online. Reminder to support local when you can!)

Stir, and garnish with a lemon peel, be sure to express the peel into the glass to get the volatile oils and maximum flavor! Which basically means squeeze the peel, hold onto either edge and fold until you see little bursts of oil pop out! Rub peel along the rim of the glass for an aromatic touch as you bring your glass to your lips. Yum. We’re all about the sensory experience. :)

I haven’t been drinking much these days, if at all. And I’ve been loving using Non Alcoholic options in place of the boozy ones :)

When I discover a good Non Alcoholic Gin option I love and want to share, I’ll be sure to update on here and post on social media too! And if I’m feeling sassy, a how-to video… although I have maximum faith you can do this without a tutorial! Super simple.

My Elderberry Elixir is great in soda water too, top with a splash of Elixir, maybe a splash of lemonade if you prefer more sweetness, & add a lemon slice for garnish. Enjoy!

Be sure to tag me on social media @The_BeldenWitch if you create this delicious summer sipper! I love to see it! :)