“Using citrus peel in cooking is like discovering
bright red lipstick. It will change your life.”
– Barbara Tropp
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Lemons are like a botanical best friend who brings out the best in others: lifting the most delicate tastes, while naturally taming bolder flavors. And like all good friends, lemon is there for you, even when you don’t know it. That’s how we like to think of lemon in Pomp & Whimsy – so good we infused it twice!
We’re celebrating the release on our shop site of our new limited-edition lemon stationery, by sharing some of the inspiration behind this most versatile and bright botanical.
The story of lemon
According to historians, citrus trees were first introduced into Europe after the Indian conquests of Alexander the Great, and continued to arrive via the Silk Road and Spice Route from China spreading across Southern Europe in the Middle Ages. The “golden apples of Hesperides”, lemons have been associated for centuries with weddings, marriage and love.
The citrus tree has long fascinated botanists, as it has the ability to bear fruit every day of the year, as well as bearing fruit simultaneously with blossoms. Plus, to plant your own citrus grove all you need is one plant – that’s because multiple citrus types can be grown on one tree.
Lemon as the “third seasoning”
In cooking, lemon is considered the third seasoning after salt and pepper, balancing both sweet and savory dishes. Just as in food, in cocktails lemon can be a major flavor or act as a subtle catalyst for other flavors. Lemon is a great counter-balance to a creamy or sweet cocktail, brings a delightful freshness to any serve, and it’s zest has an aroma that will make the most mundane of cocktails beg to be sipped.
Lemon techniques – oleo saccharum
One of the earliest ways to preserve lemons and use it as a seasoning in punches and other beverages was to make an oleo saccharum, or “oil sugar”. Sugar has natural hygroscopic properties, which means it absorbs the fragrant oils of the lemon (or any citrus peel) resulting in a highly concentrated syrup. The recipe is super easy:
Peel from 2 unwaxed lemons
¼ cup superfine white sugar
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Remove the zest from both lemons using a Y-peeler or vegetable peeler, being careful not to pick up any pith. Place the lemon peel in a mason jar and cover with the sugar. Seal jar, shake and leave for 2-8 hours overnight (or place in the sun for faster brewing). The oil syrup will float to the top of the sugar. To make an oleo saccharum cordial, add the lemon juice to the jar, seal and shake to dissolve the sugar. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
THE KAMALA HARRIS VICTORY CUP
When life gives you lemons, whip a round of this zesty cocktail created by our good friend Estelle Bossy, and commemorated by Forbes as the Kamala Harris namesake cocktail in honor of the Vice-Presidential nominee.
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1 oz Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur
½ oz Dry Vermouth
¾ oz oleo saccharum cordial
5 cucumber coins
3 oz champagne or sparkling wine
Combine Pomp & Whimsy, vermouth, oleo saccharum cordial and two cucumber coins in a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, and shake vigorously. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with champagne, garnish with remaining cucumber coins, and a large lump of ice.
Five more things you can do with lemons
Did you know lemons are also helpful around the house? If you find yourself with a lemon bounty, here are five more things you can do with a lemon:
i. Use lemon juice as a rinse after shampooing to make it more manageable and add shine
ii. Remove lipstick stains from white fabric by soaking in lemon juice
iii. Throw some fresh or dried lemon zest onto into a fire pit for a great fragrance and natural mosquito repellant
iv. Lightly scent clothes by placing small mesh bags filled with dried lemon zest in drawers and closets
v. To cleanse pores, combine 1 quart boiling water, the juice of half a lemon and a handful of fresh mint in a bowl. Cover the bowel with a towel and place your face in the steam, at least 12 inches from the surface of the water.
Cheers! 🍋