Flowers or Drinks?

There are several cocktails which share their names with some Narcissi and Tulips. Here are some firm favourites...

Mint Julep - The Narcissi

Very attractive flower with a pale yellow perianth suffused with soft green. The small cup is bright canary yellow with a distinct centre of deep moss green.

[Photo: Small Cupped Narcissi: Mint Julep - 0245]

Mint Julep - The Cocktail

• Highball glass
• A few mint leaves
• 2 tsp. water
• 2 tsp. sugar syrup
• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
• 1 maraschino cherry

Crush the mint leaves in the glass, add the water and sugar syrup, and stir well. Add plenty of crushed ice and top up with bourbon. Spear the cherry on a toothpick and balance it on the rim of the glass.

Foxtrot - The Tulip

Most beautiful Tulip with a solid head of old rose. Outer petals are a softer colour but become more intense with age.

[Photo: Early Double Tulip: Foxtrot - 0325]

Foxtrot - The Cocktail

• Cocktail Glass
• 1 1/2 ounces light rum
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 2 tsp. Cointreau

Shake all the ingredients together, with ice, in the shaker and strain into a cocktail glass.

Monte Carlo - The Tulip

Outside of the petals is lemon gold, inside rich gold deepening towards the base creating a spring like brightness.

[Photo: Early Double Tulip: Monte Carlo - 0320]

Monte Carlo - The Cocktail

• Cocktail Glass
• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce Benedictine
• 1 dash Angostura bitters

Stir all the ingredients together, with ice, in the mixing glass and strain into a cocktail glass.