Venus Vessel

An ethereally beautiful champagne cocktail that celebrates Venus's influence through pear-infused botanical gin, delicate elderflower, and rose water. The effervescent bubbles represent Libra's air element while crystallized rose petals create an Instagram-worthy presentation worthy of the goddess of beauty herself.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz pear-infused botanical gin*

• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur

• 0.25 oz rose water

• 2 dashes lavender bitters

• 4 oz champagne or prosecco

• Crystallized rose petals for garnish

• Dried lavender sprig

Pear-Infused Gin:

• 1 bottle botanical gin

• 2 ripe pears, sliced thin

• Let infuse for 48 hours, strain and bottle

Instructions:

1. Prepare pear-infused gin 2 days in advance.

2. Chill a champagne flute thoroughly.

3. In the bottom of the flute, gently combine pear-infused gin, elderflower liqueur, rose water, and lavender bitters.

4. Slowly top with champagne, pouring over a bar spoon to preserve bubbles.

5. Garnish with crystallized rose petals floating on surface and a dried lavender sprig.

6. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• Pear-infused gin will keep indefinitely

• Use ripe but firm pears for best flavor

• Rose water can be potent - start with less and adjust to taste

• Crystallized rose petals available at specialty baking stores

• Best served in crystal champagne flutes

Updated Grocery List Addition:

• 2 ripe pears (for gin infusion)