Page's Platefuls: Blueberry Citrus Gin Fizz

There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a delicious cocktail or mocktail made with locally sourced ingredients. With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to visit some of the amazing local growers and producers in Durham Region! Chef Alex Page recently went for a little day trip to gather ingredients for a refreshing new beverage.

First stop, Wilmot Orchards, included pick your own blueberries and a stop by their amazing little store with treats and blueberry products. After his visit, Chef went to Durham Distillery and picked up an excellent bottle of citrus infused gin. With ingredients in-hand it was time to head home and make a refreshing cocktail to enjoy at home in the backyard. Try this easy-to-make (and absolutely delicious) recipe and enjoy with friends! Cheers!

Blueberry Citrus Gin Fizz

Ingredients (serves one):

• 2 ½ cups Wilmot Orchard Fresh Blueberries
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 oz Durham Distillery Paradise City Citrus Gin
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 oz liquid egg white
• Sparkling water, fresh blueberries and a lemon twist for serving

Instructions:

1. Place blueberries, sugar and 1/3 cup of water in a small sauce pot over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until blueberries are broken down. Using an immersion blender, blend blueberry mixture until smooth. Pass blueberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer and chill.
2. To a cocktail shaker add 3 oz of the blueberry mixture, the gin, lemon juice and egg white. Shake dry (no ice) for 30 seconds. Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake again until chilled. Serve in a high ball glass over ice, top with sparkling water, fresh blueberries and a lemon twist.

Notes:

To make a mocktail version of this drink, simply omit the gin or add 2 oz of your favourite zero proof spirit!

Where to get your ingredients:

Wilmot Orchards: Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine and overlooking Lake Ontario, Wilmot Orchards is situated just five kilometres north between Bowmanville and Newcastle. As growers of quality fruit, you can enjoy a fun day of blueberry picking and stop by the store to bring home some delicious baked goods.

Durham Distillery: ​Located in the Old Fire Hall in Ajax, Durham Region's first craft distillery is curating some of the finest spirits using local ingredients. Stop by the retail shop to pick up a bottle, inquire about their cocktail classes, and enjoy the speakeasy feel.

This recipe was created in partnership with Chef Alex Page as part of a series focusing on field-to-fork meals using local ingredients from local businesses in Durham Region.