Medicinal Mixology: OregaKnows Best

Greek myths proclaim that Aphrodite invented oregano to make the human’s life happier and the word itself stems from the phrase “joy of the mountains.”

The Romans became enamored with oregano as soon as they met her, utilizing the herb to spice much of their food and even to flavor wine. Is it not appropriate then that she find her way into a cocktail for joyful imbibing? While relatively new in America, oregano thrives in this country and loves to grow in dry, warm climates.  A member of the mint family, oregano has a pungent, warm, slightly bitter and numbing composition.  This makes her an ideal cooking spice, as well as a wonderful compliment to a solid spirit.

Mixing with Oregano

Medicinally, oregano is indomitable and should be in every home. She nestles comfortably in the lungs, battling flus, colds, bronchitis, asthma, stubborn sinus infections and tuberculosis. An excellent immuno-booster, oregano fights free radicals and bacterial infections with gusto. This is an herb that can be used frequently and generously to keep the immune system strong and protected.

During this time when we as humans are under attack by an unfamiliar enemy, it behooves us to listen to oregano and build up that immunity to all that is perilous!  Using oregano as tea or using a hydrosol of oregano to spray into your throat, ears, and nose can be an excellent support to the respiratory system and mucous membranes.  The cocktail below is an ode to anti-oxidants, as I combined an infusion of oregano with butterfly pea flower syrup.  Butterfly pea flower, formally known as Aparajita, is an ayurvedic herb that is rich in anthocyanins, promoting a robust immune system and increasing energy.  Pairing these two herbs for a health fortifying cocktail offers not only benefits to the body, but bold earthy notes on the palate, waking up the human for a happier life.

OregaKnows Best

OregaKnows Best

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Spirit Guild Vapid Vodka*
• 1 oz. Oregano infusion**
• 1 oz. Butterfly Pea Flower organic cane sugar syrup***
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• Top with 1 oz. Fever-Tree Ginger Beer

Preparation: Mix all ingredients except the ginger beer in a mixing tin. Add ice and shake like you mean it. Strain into a glass of your choice (rocks or no rocks, preference upon taste) and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh oregano sprig to increase the happiness for the human. *Vapid Vodka is distilled solely from clementines and its flavor brightens and soothes the earthy notes of the herbs. **Fresh oregano covered with boiling water and allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes, ratio of water to herb is 1:3. ***Equal parts cane sugar and water made into a simple syrup, as soon as the sugar dissolves and the syrup is simmering, add a small handful of dried butterfly pea flowers (to taste… a little goes a long way!)