Lemongrass Blast #cocktailrecipe by @LeslieKarst

 

To celebrate the release yesterday of Murder, Local Style, book three in my Orchid  Isle mystery series, I present today a delicious cocktail (one of the recipes in the new book) with which you can join me in toasting the new book!

 

This is a refreshing drink created by my bartender protagonist, Valerie Corbin, which is similar to a Moscow Mule, but the blast of lemongrass provides alluring, perfumy notes lacking in the other. In addition, this drink contains only a little ginger beer—as well as a splash of soda water—making it less sweet than its cousin.

Note that the recipe here for simple syrup will make enough for about 6 cocktails.

Lemongrass Blast

(makes 1 cocktail)

Ingredients

For the Lemongrass Simple Syrup

1 cup water

½ cup white sugar

¼ cup lemongrass, cut into 1-inch chunks (1-2 stalks)

For the Cocktail

2 oz. vodka

1 tablespoon lemongrass simple syrup

1 tablespoon lime juice, preferable fresh-squeezed

2 oz. ginger beer

1 oz. soda water (not pictured)

1 slice lime, slit halfway through, for garnish

1 thin stalk lemongrass (cut as needed to fit the serving glass), for garnish

 

Directions

Place the water, sugar, and lemongrass chunks in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half—about 10-15 minutes. 

 

Turn off the heat and let the lemongrass sit in the syrup until it’s cooled, then discard the lemongrass. 

 

The syrup will keep, refrigerated in a covered container, for several days.

Fill a rocks/Old Fashioned glass with 6-8 ice cubes. Pour in vodka, simple syrup, and lime juice and stir to mix. 

 

simple syrup, lime juice, lime slices, and lemongrass garnishes

 

Add the ginger beer and soda and stir once more.

Slide the slit lime slice over the lip of the glass and use the lemongrass stalk as a swizzle stick.

🌱  🍋  🌿

 

Just Released!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #3

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE

Available for purchase here.

 

"The beauties and customs of Hawai‘i provide a striking backdrop for a murder with an unexpected motive."

Kirkus Reviews 

 

 🍍 🌴 🍹

 

Out now in paperback!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #2

WATERS OF DESTRUCTION

Buy link here. 

 

2026 Lefty and Agatha Award Finalist

for Best Mystery/Contemporary Mystery!

 

"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes
while enjoying the entertaining mystery."

Kirkus Reviews

 

Also available

in paperback!

MOLTEN DEATH

Orchid Isle Mystery  #1

Buy link here

 

2025 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Mystery!

 

“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

Booklist

 

This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly. 

 

Praise for MOLTEN DEATH:

“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”

--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay

“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”

--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

2024 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Humorous Mystery!

This newest Sally Solari mystery

is available for purchase here !

 

Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:

 

“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”

 --Publishers Weekly

 

“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”

--Kirkus Reviews

Justice is Served:  A Tale of Scallops,

the Law, and Cooking for RBG

is the 2024 Silver Medal Winner for both the

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award

and the IPPY Award!

Buy link here

 

 

 

Praise for Justice is Served:

 

"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 

 

-Foreword Reviews (starred review)

 

"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."

-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-

All of the Sally Solari Mysteries (as well as my other books) are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.