I don’t often imbibe in creative cocktails – or cocktails of any sort.

I’m more of a wine connoisseur.

However, on a recent evening out, I perused the intricate and quite delicate cocktail menu calling my name at the corner table.
The flavor combinations looked and sounded downright fantabulous.

Although I selected my favorite red wine from the list, possibly out of habituation and ritual, but also out of pure delight, I vowed to concoct something of my own out the lemon, lavender, and chocolate alcoholic amalgamation which so intrigued my and sparked my curious soul.

Lemon Lavender Chocolate Vinaigrette

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1 fresh lemon
2 Tbs. Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
2 tsp. Preserved Lemons, diced and rinsed
2 tsp. fresh basil, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. dried lavender
coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Whisk together all ingredients and serve over anything and everything ~ from salads to grilled veggies and meats, to ice cream. That’s right, vanilla ice cream!