SUMMER FRUIT SPICED AND HERB SODAS

If you get a chance, check out the latest issue of Edible Vancouver. Katie and I contributed a spread on homemade cordials, including some simple homemade recipes for every summer occasion. We had a blast working on the piece - who wouldn't when there are refreshing beverages galore and the sun is actually shining in Vancouver? Here's my favorite recipe from the article (courtesy of Katie Lysakowski), and some outtakes.

STONE FRUIT & HOPS SYRUP

2.2 lbs (1kg) mixed stone fruit: cherries, peaches, plums, apricots
Up to 2 1/4 cups (500g) sugar
1 cup (250mL) water
Hops syrup (see recipe below)

Quarter the stone fruit. Remove pits if you'd like, but there's no real need. Combine the fruit and water and cook until soft. Tip into jelly bag and strain overnight.

Measure liquid and put in a pot. Before adding sugar, pour in some hops syrup. Aim for a ratio of about 4:1, fruit juice to hops syrup. Taste and add sugar as desired to finish syrup.

To serve: Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice (the Kentuckian/julep drinker in me thinks the crushed part is actually mandatory :)), and fill three quarters of the glass with syrup. Top with sparkling water and serve.

HOPS SYRUP
2 cups (500mL) water
2 cups (450g) sugar
1 cup (250mL) hops

Add water and sugar top a pot over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat and add hops* steeping until the water has completely cooled. Strain and discard hops.

*Note: if mixture is too hot when you add your hops, you'll end up with an extremely bitter product. If the water comes to a boil when dissolving sugar, wait until the temperature comes back down to around 70°C before adding hops.

Some places to locally source hops:
-If you're in Vancouver, Dan's Homebrewing Supplies is your best bet. 692 E. Hastings. 604-251-3411
-It's hard to beat the variety that Hops Connect offers. Located in Pemberton, use them as an excuse for a quick road trip, or just order online.
-Responsible for one of my favorite stouts of all time (Crannóg's Back Hand of God), these guys only sell the finest - BC Certified Organic and Non-GMO hops only! Left Field Hops, Sorrento, BC.

Images below of STRAWBERRY, TARRAGON, & BLACK PEPPER CORDIAL (see the Summer 2013 Issue of Edible Vancouver for recipe)