Moonflower, Nightshade, All the Hours of

​the Day by JD Scott

This is a startling, surreal, and strangely beautiful collection of fabulist queer stories and one novella, (where the world has turned into a giant, ever-growing shopping mall, with dangerous magic along the borders.) MOONFLOWER’s nomination for a Shirley Jackson Award, a much-deserved honor, inspired this refreshing booktail.

The florals in this cocktail complement the book’s botanical imagery and themes, while the absinthe lends an eerie opalescent sheen. The combination is entrancing and a little bit dangerous, just like the collection.

​I presented this drink atop a moon-like marble platter dusted with lavender and blue sugar. The phases of the moon in the background are also rendered in blue sugar.
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 oz gin
  • 4 tsp absinthe
  • 0.5 oz lavender syrup (see recipe below)
  • 0.5 oz elderflower (I recommend D’arbo brand)
  • 0.5 oz lemon juice
  • Dry champagne

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine gin, absinthe, lavender, elderflower, and lemon in a shaker with ice. Agitate vigorously, until shaker turns frosty. Strain into a champagne flute or coupe glass and top with champagne.

Lavender Syrup Recipe

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup dried organic lavender

INSTRUCTIONS
Stir all ingredients together in a small pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool, then strain into a clean glass or jar. Keep refrigerated. ​