Vendredi soir. Five o'clock, and the week loosens its grip. This is the one that opens our little ritual — the most south-of-France pairing of them all. Anise and golden hour in the glass, lavender and honey on the plate. Pour one for someone who already knows the way you take your apéro.
The Pastis Gimlet
The aperitif of Provence, dressed up just enough. Pastis lends its quiet anise note; the gimlet keeps it bright. Coupetini, terrace, no rush.
You'll need
- 2 oz gin
- 1 bar spoon Pastis or Pernod
- ¼ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Ice
The method
- Combine everything in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously, ten to fifteen seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupetini glass.
A note — it's properly anise-forward, so start with a single bar spoon of Pastis and add to taste. One bottle quietly covers this and the French Pearl both, should you wish to make a season of it.
Lavender Honey Goat Cheese Crostini
The most MILLE thing on the table. Floral, a little wild, made to be passed around.
You'll need
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, halved
- Flaky salt and black pepper
The method
- Make the lavender honey: warm the honey with the lavender buds over low heat for 4 minutes. Cool, then strain.
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast 5–7 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Rub each warm crostini with the cut side of the garlic clove.
- Spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each.
- Drizzle with the lavender honey. Finish with flaky salt and black pepper.
A note — the garlic rubbed over the still-warm toast is the detail that elevates everything. And if you already keep lavender syrup on hand, it stands in beautifully in a pinch.
What to wear
The Carolina Dress in Black — a cotton maxi made for a warm evening and a cold drink. Crafted slowly, worn often, the kind of thing your daughter will find in a vintage store one day and hold on to forever. Made to be handed down.
One cocktail, one bite, one dress. À vendredi.
