Lilac + Blood Orange Collins

Blood oranges have been plentiful at the farmer's market lately...and I was able to get my hands on some beautiful, organic lilac blooms which pairs ever so beautifully with blood oranges. This cocktail is perfectly perfumey and refreshing...it's a lovely dream of spring which is right around the corner...Lilac + Blood Orange CollinsFor each cocktailIngredients:1/2 organic blood orange, juiced3 tablespoons Dried Blood Orange + Lilac Simple Syrup (recipe below)2 ounces gin1 cup sparkling waterHandful of iceDried Blood Orange + Lilac Sugar (recipe below)Fresh organic, edible lilac flowers for garnishingDirections:Place blood orange juice, simple syrup, gin, sparkling water, and ice into a tumbler of your choice rimmed with Dried Orange + Lilac Sugar. Gently stir. Garnish with fresh organic, edible lilac flowers.Dried Blood Orange + Lilac Simple SyrupIngredients:3/4 cup filtered water1 cup Dried Blood Orange + Lilac Sugar (recipe below)Directions:Place all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow to simmer until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a thick syrup. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain into a ball jar. Store in the fridge and use within one week.Dried Blood Orange + Lilac SugarMakes a little under 1 cupIngredients:6 dried blood orange slices (I used Simple + Crisp)3/4 cup organic sugar3 tablespoons fresh organic, edible lilac flowersDirections:Place ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse about 10 times. Store in an airtight container and use within a month. This sugar is delicious sprinkled on warm rye toast slathered in raw butter for an afternoon snack...Recipe + Photos by Cassie Winslow