Fuzzy Alpaca

There is only one animal I love more on this earth than dogs, and it’s alpacas. They actually in a weird way remind me of my two Shih tzus, Piper more than Poppy based on her super soft fur. The best place for alpaca sightings is Los Poblanos, and also the absolute best place for dinner, drinks, or a staycation in Albuquerque.

This place is somewhat magical. You are greeted by turkeys and geese as you walk up past the old silos. It has an old farm feel without the old farm smell. You can sit on the patio which looks out towards the Sandia Mountains just past their lavender farm, where if you’re lucky, you’ll see alpaca herds walking through and grazing. Sometimes I get so excited when I see them I squeal (I’m so embarrassing). I can never get close to the dang things though, they always run away from me.

This drink, made with Los Poblanos lavender, can be purchased year round from their farm shop.
Some of my favorite uses of lavender from Los Poblanos is creme brûlée, a herb de Provence for a chicken marinade, a panty pouch (for your pantry drawer because who doesn’t want their panties to smell like flowers), and simple syrup for whatever cocktail or mock-tail your heart desires.

This drink is named after my favorite animal using flowers from my favorite magical escape. The drink is soft, smooth, and delicate. Empress gin is all the rage right now and actually turns different shades of purple when you add ingredients to it. It’s quite fun and definitely pretty to photograph.

Cheers you lavender alpaca lovers!

Fuzzy Alpaca Recipe:

Empress 1908 Gin, Caravella Limoncello, lavender simple syrup, 1/2 lemon, egg white from one egg, Angostura bitters.

1 oz gin

.25 oz limoncello

.5 lavender simple syrup

1/2 lemon press

1 egg white

Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Whenever egg whites are involved get ready for a work out. Shake vigorously, it takes me at least 12 vigorous shakes. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass. Top with 2-3 drops bitters and a few lavender flowers.

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