The Provence Princess

It was not hard to find inspiration for this week's cocktail. Everywhere at the markets apricots are blushing at me with their beautiful cheeky pink and orange colors. Lavender is a natural match for this delicate fruit- not only in flavor, but also because of its dreamsky color. And when I think of lavender, I automatically think of Provence. And so it came to be that I had to also include a dash of rosewater (not obligatory). Gin is a natural choice of alcohol for this, as it goes perfectly with apricots, and provides enough edge to make this a bit naughty. If you need to lighten this drink up a bit, add a little bit of soda water.

The Provence Princess
For the Apricot Nectar
8 apricots
2 tablespoons agave nectar
Juice of 1 lime

To Assemble:
2 ounces gin
1 sprig lavender, finely chopped
1 teaspoon rose water
Ice Martini shaker

Prepare the apricot nectar by boiling the apricots for about 5 minutes, or until soft. Drain and remove the pits. Blend the apricots, agave nectar, and lime juice in a mini electric blender into a puree and strain if necessary.
Combine the gin, lavender, rose water, and 2 ounces of apricot nectar in a martini shaker with ice and shake up very well. Strain into 2 separate martini glasses.