“Last of Words” Cocktail

• Add the gin, Centerbe, Kirschwasser, and cordial to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and quickly shake to chill. Strain over fresh ice in a wine glass and top with sparkling wine and club soda. Garnish with a beech mushroom cluster.

Beech Mushroom and Citrus Cordial

• Peel 8 medium-sized lemons trying to remove as little of the white pith as possible. Place peels in a bowl along with sugar and muddle to release the peels’ oils. Cover and let sit overnight at room temperature.
• The next day, use a rubber spatula to scrape the peels and sugar into a medium saucepan along with the beech mushrooms and lime juice. Gently heat to a simmer stirring every few minutes to help sugar dissolve (do not let it boil). Turn off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow it to infuse.
• The next day, strain out lemon peels and beech mushrooms, being sure to try and squeeze as much liquid from them as possible. Discard the peels and mushrooms and pour the cordial into an airtight container. Will keep in the refrigerator for approximately 2 weeks.