Simple Goodness Sisters: Small Batch Syrups make Delightful Drinks

If I was able to put together this table at a GardenComm "Color in the Garden" event, then you know I'm well and fine. I've been away caring for my mom, but things are much better now and I'm happy to be able to backpedal a little and fill you in with the moments of delight that have happened while I've been away.

I want to highlight a lovely small batch syrup brand called Simply Goodness Sisters. They craft "garden-to-glass inspired syrups on our 10 acre cocktail farm in Buckley, Washington." Do you love it? I do! 

This lovely woman-owned company donated some of their luscious syrups to create botanical drinks to support a GardenComm event we hosted called "Color in the Garden." They sent us: Rhubarb Vanilla, Blueberry Lavender and Lemon Herb to combine with sparkling water to refresh everyone on a blazing August afternoon. We topped our drinks with edible flowers like nasturtiums and pansies and then offered blueberries, mint and herbs if attendees wanted to experiment even more. 

What I loved the most was the enthusiasm for the product. We had plenty of opportunities for them to try all 3 and they did! The ladies talked and drank and adorned their glasses over and over. It was a success x10. And the interestingly, they seemed to like all 3 equally. They were drawn to the Rhubarb Vanilla first. Then Blueberry Lavender. Then Lemon Herb. But they enjoyed them all and they were excited to hear that the company owns and operates a Soda Shop in Wilkeson, WA that make everything from milkshakes to mixed drinks. Sisters' Choice and it sounds delightful. Personally, I know I need to take a field trip. They are open through mid-December and then close until Spring. 

Thank you, Simply Goodness Sisters! 

#botanical #farmtoglass #pnw #drinksyrups #beverages #edibleflowers #gardencomm #region6

 
 

Seattle: Dry Soda: The Time Has Come

I am encouraged by the very existence of Dry Soda.  Dry Soda is brand of beverage that is made from only 4 all-natural ingredients. Founder and CEO Sharelle Klaus' vision (She's a genius, as far as I'm concerned) was to create a carbonated beverage that was less sweet (and therefore would have less calories), caffeine free, low in sodium, yet full of herbal or fruit flavors that would pair well with "grown up" meals. Amen!

I avoid alcohol and a girl can only drink so much sparkling water! I would love to be able to order a sophisticated beverage when I am dining out. Particularly if it has a subtle flavor that would enhance my meal.  Shrimp Risotto and Diet Coke just don't pair well.

I had read about Dry Soda, but had never come across it on store shelves in Michigan.  Then when I was doing research for my extended trip to Seattle, I learned that Dry Soda is based in Seattle!  I knew that I would finally be able to find it, try it and then tell you about it.  

I found it easily on the shelves at the local Whole Foods and bought Rhubarb and Juniper Berry.  I served them with our delayed Easter dinner (ham, potato gratin, green beans) and they were quite good.  The lack of sugar is a shock, but it is a shock I am all for.  I know that there will be a few that I have a thirst for, I just have to zero in on which of the 11 flavors are in my wheelhouse. 

Dan liked them right off the bat. I can't wait to try more of their when I visit their TASTING ROOM when I am back in Seattle next month.  Can you believe it? They have a tasting room. See, I told you Sharelle Klaus was a genius.

Clear & Sparkling Holiday Beverage

There are so many ways to indulge at the holidays, I am finding that more & more of my guests are opting for sparkling water as their beverage. Fantastic! As a girl that kept Perrier in her dorm fridge, I am all for it. And when it looks this pretty, who wouldn't be? 

 

My secret is to put 1 Tablespoon of cranberry juice concentrate in the bottom of a glass, fill with sparkling water and top with a lemon slice. Don't stir it and the cranberry juice concentrate will not mix with the water. It will just make a raspberry-colored tinge on the bottom of the glass and look very festive! 

A pretty Tracy Porter glass doesn't hurt either. Your conversation and your beverage will be clear & sparkling. Cheers!