Tropical Tricks & Treats

We don’t have traditional seasons here in Hawaii…just wet and dry. The temperature only varies from a low in the lower 60s in the winter to a high in the 80s in the summer. It’s usually not to hot or too cold -- pure heaven! Fall to us isn’t about temperature change, but we do think about our times living on the mainland and loving fall temperatures and leaves changing. There is no Pumpkin Spice craze here, although we have plenty of Starbucks on the Island. What we do have is awesome fall flavors growing on our property! Allspice was the inspiration for this drink. Our tree grows at the bottom of our steps and the smell is amazing. We also have a cinnamon tree which we process for the ground cinnamon.

Garden Goddess Herbed Vodka

In a tall jar put about 12 fresh allspice berries (I haven’t tried using dried ones, but I would imagine they would work too!), 3 or 4 springs of fresh rosemary and sage. Fill with your favorite vodka and let sit to steep about 3 weeks in a cool dark place. After you drain the herbs out you are left with a delicious herb infused vodka.

All Treats and No Tricks in the Tropics

3 shots coconut milk

1 1/2 shots Garden Goddess Herbed Vodka

1 shot pineapple juice (I've even made it with Mango nectar!)

1/2 shot ginger simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain and pour over ice in your favorite tiki glass or empty pineapple shell. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Garnish with an umbrella and cherry – because we like to say, life is too short not to drink with an umbrella. If you don’t want to serve it over ice, it makes a lovely martini – just rim the glass with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.