The Sparkly Strawberry Martini

When I was five, I told my Mom I wanted to change my name to Amy "Sparkle".  I was in love with all things sparkly, as of course many five year olds are, so I am surprised I didn't go as far as naming my cat sparkle!  I have a video of me at a dance recital with all of my fellow dancers at preschool, but I was the only one not dancing.  Why?  I was picking up sequins off of the floor because they were sparkly!  Although I am not obsessed with sparkle anymore, I do still appriciate the beauty of sparkly things.  When I am in a good mood, I say I am feeling "sparkly", it is my word for happy, and I think it fits me. 

So last weekend when I made a drink, and it tasted so amazing that I was feeling quite sparkly while sipping it, I decided that it deserved to have the word sparkly in the title.  But not only did it taste delicious, it was sparkly beautiful!  It was ruby red, due to the strawberry puree added to it, and the rim was garnished with sparkling sugar and lovely lavander flowers.  It was a martini, as I used vodka as a base, allowing the flavors of the berries, lavander, lemon, and vanilla I also added to it to shine through.  It reminded me of spring, and it was incredibly refreshing with so many light flavors.  If you would like to feel sparkly, or maybe you are feeling sparkly, and would like a drink, here is the recipe!

The Sparkly Strawberry 
(Strawberry martini with citrus, vanilla and lavander)

Makes 1

4-6 large ice cubes

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

4 oz Prairie Organic Vodka
1/4 cup pureed strawberries
1 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp lavander agave syrup*

In a martini shaker add the ice, vanilla, vodka, orange juice, lemon juice, and lavander syrup and place top on shaker. Shake until well blended. Pour through a strainer into a chilled martini glass, and serve!

*Lavander Agave Syrup:
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup boiling filtered water
2 tsp dried lavander flowers

Combine all ingredients in a clean jar and allow to sit for a few days to let the lavander infuse.