Ghost in the Garden Cocktail Recipe with Gin, Peach Nectar and Prosecco

A Cocktail for Haunted Evenings

There are evenings when the garden feels a little different.

The light fades, the candles come out and the familiar corners of the house begin to look slightly mysterious. Perhaps it's the old mirror reflecting something you don't quite remember seeing. Perhaps it's simply the hour.

Either way, it's the perfect time for a cocktail.

I created Ghost in the Garden for those lingering evenings, the ones that feel romantic, a little mysterious and just haunted enough to be interesting.

This is not a cocktail for rushing through. It belongs beside an old mirror, a flickering candle, a little lipstick and perhaps a ghost story or two.

After all, if you're going to be haunted, you might as well have a drink.

The Cocktail Recipe

Ghost in the Garden combines gin, lemon, peach nectar, simple syrup and Prosecco, with Grand Marnier Signature Collection No. 2 Raspberry Peach in place of the elderflower liqueur I originally envisioned.

And I'm rather glad I changed my mind.

The raspberry and peach bring a soft, fruit forward note to the drink while the gin keeps it from becoming overly sweet. Lemon adds just enough brightness, and the Prosecco gives it that lovely little bit of sparkle. The result is delicate, floral feeling and refreshing with just enough mystery to earn its name.

There is something wonderfully old fashioned about holding a beautiful drink in your hand and simply taking your time with it.

No occasion required. No dinner party necessary. Just an evening, a little atmosphere and perhaps the feeling that someone or something might be watching from the garden.

Ingredients for Ghost in the Garden

This recipe makes one cocktail.

• 1 1/2 oz. gin

• 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier Signature Collection No. 2, Raspberry Peach

• 1 oz. peach nectar

• 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz. simple syrup

• 2 oz. Prosecco

• Ice

• Peach or lemon garnish, if desired

Use fresh lemon juice if possible. Bottled lemon juice can taste dull or sharp in a drink this light.

For peach nectar, look for one with a smooth texture and real peach flavor. Some brands are quite sweet, so taste yours before mixing. If it is very sweet, you can reduce the simple syrup slightly.

How to make it

Chill the Prosecco before you start. This keeps the drink bright and prevents the ice from melting too quickly.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

   Use enough ice to chill the drink fast.

   
   

2. Add the gin, Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach, peach nectar, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

   Measure carefully, since this cocktail depends on balance.

   
   

3. Shake until well chilled.

   Shake for about 10 to 15 seconds. The shaker should feel cold in your hands.

   
   

4. Strain into a coupe, Nick and Nora glass, or wine glass.

   A fine mesh strainer helps if your peach nectar has pulp.

   
   

5. Top with Prosecco.

   Pour slowly so the bubbles stay lively.

   
   

6. Garnish if desired.

   A thin peach slice makes it soft, and a lemon twist makes it brighter and more aromatic.

   
   

Give the drink one gentle stir after adding Prosecco. Do not shake the sparkling wine, or you will lose the fizz and create a mess.

A Little Paranormal Girl Advice

Use a ripe, fragrant peach if you can find one. The better the peach, the more stunning the cocktail will taste and look.

For the most elegant presentation, serve this in a coupe or vintage champagne glass.

The cocktail recipe for Ghost in the Garden is designed to be served at home or a glamorous party. It is meant to be enjoyed slowly perhaps at twilight or with an old ghost story being told in the background. And preferably somewhere beautiful because I've always believed that the paranormal doesn't have to be frightening. Sometimes, it can be quite glamorous.

Cheers!

xo

Please drink responsibly. Even ghosts know when to call it a night.