Ramp Bloody Mary
Give me some (the ramp song) by the Loose Change Band (play in the background to get in the mood)
Well folks, it's that time of year again when tables across America are besieged by mounds of fragrant ramps. Both Chefs and home cooks alike are running rampant with their creations. Ramps, also known as wild leeks, wild garlic or forest garlic are the country's favorite wild foraged food.
Using ramps at home is quite easy as they are extremely versatile, and lend themselves easily into almost any dish. At the end of last season, I posted three recipes in a post aptly titled "Ramp It Up". Last night, the wife and I dug out our jar of ramp vodka from the liquor cabinet and decided to make a spring cocktail honoring this wild allium. We used many ingredients found on the West Coast to give it a unique spin. It's Sunday, have a Bloody Mary and enjoy your day!
Try making this delicious drink this ramp season. Hashtag us at #PistouAndPastis so we can see how yours came out!
Wild Ramp Bloody Mary
A seasonal cocktail, perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch
- 2 ounces ramp vodka, see notes
- 1 tablespoon wasabi rhizomes (substitute horseradish or wasabi powder)
- to taste sriracha hot sauce
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 5 ounces tomato juice
- pinch black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon piment d'ville
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
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Mix everything together. Pour into a glass with ice. Drink.
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We garnished ours with wood grilled asparagus, cornichon and an olive. Garnish with whatever makes you happy. Build a fire, put your feet up and relax.
Notes:
Piment D'Ville is a pepper powder made in Boonville, California that is similar to Espelette peppers. Well it is espelette peppers grown in Northern California but legally they can't call it that.
They are deliciously smoky with a slight heat that is addictive. Get yourself a tin today!
To Make Ramp Vodka: This recipe is so simple it requires only a few words. Stuff three or four ramps into a clean jar. Top with vodka, screw the top on and wait two weeks. Then make yourself a delicious Ramp Bloody Mary.
