Alice's Idaho Bloom
Twenty-two reasons to bloom wild and free.
A sparkling, rosy celebration mocktail built around Idaho's famous huckleberries and crisp mountain spring flavors — just as vibrant and one-of-a-kind as Alice herself. Sweet-tart huckleberry syrup meets zesty lemon, cooling cucumber, and effervescent ginger beer, topped with an edible flower for a birthday-worthy flourish. Every sip feels like a high-altitude wildflower meadow in full summer bloom.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz huckleberry syrup (or wild berry syrup — see note)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 4 thin slices of fresh cucumber
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water, cooled)
- 4 oz premium ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- 1 oz sparkling water
- Handful of ice
- Pinch of dried culinary lavender (optional, for garnish rim)
Instructions
- MAKE THE HUCKLEBERRY SYRUP (if not store-bought): Simmer 1 cup fresh or frozen huckleberries (or wild blueberries) with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Strain and cool. Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
- PREPARE THE GLASS: If using lavender, lightly crush a pinch of dried culinary lavender and mix with a little sugar on a small plate. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the Collins glass, then dip the rim into the lavender sugar to coat.
- MUDDLE: Place the 4 cucumber slices into a cocktail shaker and muddle gently until juicy but not pulpy.
- BUILD THE SHAKER: Add the huckleberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker over the muddled cucumber. Fill with a generous handful of ice.
- SHAKE: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled and combined.
- POUR: Fill the rimmed Collins glass with fresh ice. Double-strain the shaker contents into the glass over the ice.
- TOP OFF: Slowly pour the ginger beer and sparkling water over the back of a spoon to preserve the fizz and create a beautiful layered effect.
- GARNISH: Perch a lemon wheel on the rim, tuck in a fresh mint sprig, and float one edible flower on top for a stunning birthday presentation.
- SERVE IMMEDIATELY and wish Alice a very happy 22nd! 🎂