The Lazy Sunday cocktail is relaxation in a glass, combining tequila with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit juice, the warmness of cinnamon syrup, and the earthy notes of turmeric tea, all topped off with the fizzy lightness of club soda water.
It’s a cocktail recipe that invites you to kick back, unwind, and savor the leisurely moments of a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Here’s how to make the Lazy Sunday cocktail, with a simple guide to making your own turmeric tea!
Lazy Sunday Cocktail Ingredients:
- Tequila (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): The base spirit, providing a robust base with a smooth finish.
- Grapefruit Juice (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): Adds a refreshing citrus tang and a hint of sweetness.
- Cinnamon Syrup (1 ounce / 30 ml): Adds a warm, spicy sweetness that aids the cocktail’s citrus notes.
- Turmeric Tea (1/4 ounce / 7.5 ml): Offers a subtle earthiness and an extra layer of complexity.
- Club Soda Water: To top, adding effervescence and lightness to the drink.
- Garnish: Grapefruit Twist: A zesty garnish that enhances the drink’s aroma and visual appeal.
Lazy Sunday Cocktail Recipe:
- Prepare Turmeric Tea:
- Combine 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder with 2 cups (480 ml) of water in a medium pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and set aside to cool. This concentrated turmeric tea will add a unique flavor to the cocktail.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- Shake and Serve:
- Seal the shaker tightly and shake with all your might until the mixture is well-chilled. This ensures the flavors meld together beautifully and the cocktail is served cold.
- Strain the chilled mixture into a tall glass (generally a highball glass) filled with fresh ice, building a base for the fizzy topping.
- Top and Garnish:
- Gently top the cocktail with club soda water, adding just enough to fill the glass and add a refreshing carbonation.
- Garnish with a twist of grapefruit, placing it on the rim of the glass or floating atop the drink for a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma.
The Lazy Sunday Cocktail – In Detail
In the world of cocktails, utilizing herbs and spices presents an expansive array of choices.
Ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, mint, clove, and ginger are frequently used. However, incorporating herbs typically found in savory dishes is more unusual, which is what sets the turmeric-infused “Lazy Sunday” apart.
Originating from India and Southeast Asia, turmeric is celebrated in various culinary traditions for its health benefits and its mild, reminiscent-of-ginger flavor. It is most commonly available in its dried and powdered form, which is how it is used in the “Lazy Sunday” recipe.
The “Lazy Sunday” is a creation of Anna Maceda, co-owner and bar manager at Campana, an Italian eatery and bar located in Portland, Oregon. This cocktail is a blend of tequila, grapefruit juice, cinnamon syrup, and a specially crafted turmeric tea, finished with a splash of club soda.
The pairing of tequila with grapefruit juice has long been beloved, featured in classics like the Paloma, while the addition of cinnamon syrup introduces a subtle warmth and sweetness.
A straightforward highball is elevated by the inclusion of soda water, but Maceda enhances the drink’s complexity with her turmeric tea. “Turmeric really balances the sweetness of the other ingredients, and its spice complements the Ceylon cinnamon beautifully,” she notes.
Maceda also highlights turmeric’s numerous health benefits, particularly its anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that a cocktail can be somewhat healthful.
The inspiration behind the cocktail’s name is quite personal for Maceda. “It was my dream to sit around all day on Sunday and drink these,” she reveals. “I’m not kidding: It was my fantasy drink.”
Check out other turmeric based cocktails.
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