Mama said there’d be days like this.  And when there are,  you might consider adding a bit of lemon balm to your evening cocktail.  It’s been used since the middle ages to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote sleep.  Plus with a lovely lemony scent, and pretty toothed leaves, it makes a gorgeous garnish.  Sometimes, I’m all about the pretty.

This evening’s local cocktail was a sweet combination of the juneberries (a.k.a, sugarplums) from our generous next door neighbor muddled with the lemon balm that so generously reseeded itself along the patio edges.   After a tough day (read: extra loud, bossy Cherub), this is exactly the cocktail I want in my hand.

Sugar Plum Soother, makes one

Small handful of juneberries

Four or five large leaves of lemon balm

1 T powdered sugar

1 1/2 shot of vanilla vodka (I used OYO’s Honey Vanilla Bean)

Triple sec to rinse out a martini glass

In the bottom of a cocktail shaker muddle the berries, sugar and lemon balm.  Fill with crushed ice.  Add the vodka. Shake well and pour into the martini glass that has been rinsed with a small splash of triple sec.  Garnish with a lemon balm leaf.

Playlist included Make Some Noise, by the Beastie Boys.