Celery and Cilantro Gin Gimlet

There are few things in life that bring me more joy than being on a dance floor. Give me some funk, motown, old school hip hop, salsa, reggaeton, and I will be CUTTING A RUG.

I inherited this trait from my father. I’m sure you’ve seen old white man dancing? Like, where they kind of stand on one foot and twist from side to side? Sometimes there’s even a gratuitous bounce of the shoulder or flick of the head? Yeah, that’s not my Dad.

I’m going to put it out there. My Dad is a better dancer than your Dad. There, I’ve said it. Scott, or Scooterman, as I affectionately call him, can bust a move. He has lived 1,000 lives – being a bus driver on the TTC, racing cars, managing bands, working in sales in the trucking industry and eventually founding a business with my mom.

In all those lives, he’s had rhythm. His dance floor stylings are reminiscent of James Brown. His preferred dancing shoes are a pair of stylish and understated cowboy boots that let him slide across the hardwood with ease.

He has dazzled any number of my friends at weddings and anniversary parties. Countless dance circles have formed around him to study his technique. My mother has had to institute a strict one-dance-only policy with other women who would entreat him on the dance floor.

He taught me much of what I know. How to find the beat, feel the music and let it flow. I am a Leo, and being on the dance floor is one of the few places where I’m true to my Zodiac and really enjoy being in the limelight.

I went to the Elmdale on Saturday night with my friend Mary Anne and let loose. The DJ at the Elmdale is easily one of my favourites in the city and the crowd is relatively age-appropriate.

I don’t think I stopped dancing for more than 20 seconds the entire time I was in there, and it was glorious.

If you’re not as excited by the prospect of getting up on the riser in your go-go boots as I am, maybe this Celery and Cilantro Gin Gimlet will give you that liquid courage you need. This cocktail employs the same celery seed syrup that I used in that Celery Margarita earlier this year. Completely different context when paired with gin instead of tequila, but equally vibrant and delicious.

I don’t get out dancing nearly as often as I’d like, but I make the most of it when I do. I keep saying I’m going to sign up for a salsa class and then dropping the ball. If you have any recommendations for great dance classes in Ottawa – chime in on the comments below.

Celery and Cilantro Gin Gimlet

5 from 3 votes

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Celery and Cilantro Gin Gimlet

Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Resting Time

1 hr

Total Time

7 mins

 

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Cilantro and Celery Gin Gimlet

Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Yvonne Langen

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz celery seed syrup
• 1 handful fresh cilantro
• 1 lime wheel, for garnish

Celery Seed Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp celery seed

Instructions

1. Combine gin, lime juice and celery seed syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill halfway with ice and top with a fistful of fresh cilantro. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with lime wheel. 

Celery Seed Syrup

1. Combine 1 cup (250 mL) each sugar and water in a small saucepan; stir in 2 tbsp (30 mL) celery seed, cover and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Strain through several layers of cheesecloth; chill before use.

   Makes about 1 cup (250 mL)