Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
SUBSCRIBE
Lifestyle

The Chill Pill … Just What the Doctor Ordered

spring cocktail

It’s the weekend, and we’re ready for some R & R … so what better a time to whip up a new cocktail? I found this recipe on Pinterest, and it does not disappoint! Of course, it took me down a rabbit hole on Pinterest, and I discovered that the recipe is from a mixologist at Deep Dive in Seattle. This bar looks right up our alley for a special date night — but, until we can actually get to Seattle, I’m just going to give it a try at home. ?

The key is making the Pineapple Shrub. I had never tried this before, but it’s sooo easy! It’s an extra step for sure — in fact, you have to let the pineapple sit overnight in sugar, Then you drain the solid pieces of pineapple with a colander or cheese cloth, and mix the reserved pineapple-infused syrup with champagne vinegar. It makes plenty, so you can store some in the fridge.

The recipe calls for Yellow Chartreuse, which we have used before. But, it was years ago so I didn’t have any in our little bar. And let me tell you, I called several local liquor stores to see if I could track some down, but no luck. I guess there’s a shortage in Oregon. Who knew?!? Anyhoo, our friends at Newport Market in Bend suggested we give this brand a try as an alternative. (As a bonus, it’s made in our hometown, Portland, Oregon!) We don’t know any differently since we’ve never tried this recipe before using the Yellow Chartreuse, but it worked beautifully. It’s so refreshing and unique! What a great cocktail to serve friends this weekend ?

CLOUZ HOUZ TIP: Don’t skip the grated nutmeg on top … it really adds a fun kick to the flavor. Trust us!

bar in kitchen


THE CHILL PILL

 

2 OZ. VODKA

1/2 OZ PINEAPPLE SHRUB

1/2 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE

1/4 OZ YELLOW CHARTREUSE

1/8 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP (1:1)

1 FRESH EGG WHITE (PASTEURIZED IF YOU PREFER)

Combine the egg white, simple syrup, lemon juice, and pineapple shrub in a shaker and shake, without ice, until frothy. Add the vodka and Chartreuse and shake again with ice to chill, then double-strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a spray of Angostura bitters from an atomizer (or drip the bitters on the drink’s surface), and add fresh-grated nutmeg.

PINEAPPLE SHRUB: Peel, core, and cube a fresh pineapple (I bought pre-cut pineapple chunks) and add it to a large container along with 1 quart (32 oz.) of raw sugar. Stir to coat the pineapple with the sugar and cover the container; let the mixture rest at room temperature for 24 hours. Use a cheesecloth-lined strainer to strain out the solids, and mix 16 oz. of Champagne vinegar with the reserved syrup.


We served ours in a coupe glass with a sprig of mint, and it looked fancy and professional with the frothy top and sprinkles of nutmeg. Maybe we should take up mixology?! ?

Cheers to the sunshine and gorgeous weather this weekend. Let us know if you give this one a shot.

Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
Comment ‘ME’ to get all of these items delivered straight to your inbox! I hope you can join me over there each week:)

Are you all ready for summer like I am?!? Our team loves pulling all the inspo and things that are shaping our design work each month. June is my favorite... for a lot of reasons, because, one: I’m a total warm weather girl and two: it’s Derrick’s and my anniversary month! I can’t believe we are celebrating 29 years next week!

Anyway, I digress... I’m breaking down all the things in today’s Between The Layers post (live at 5:00 PST). I can’t wait to share with you allllll the things we have our eyes on for projects.

I’m even sharing some items I have been debating for our house because I need your help assuring me I’m not crazy with all these ideas I have brewing.😂

Inspo imagery via Pinterest
If you’re going to be creative, you have to be willing to stay in a bit of a playful mindset... not everything can be overthought or perfectly safe, because that’s usually when things start to fall flat. I see this all the time, even in my own home, where the moments I almost didn’t do something end up being the ones I love the most. The same goes for our client work. The best spaces don’t come from playing it safe, they come from trusting the process and being open to ideas you might not have considered at first. That’s really the point of hiring a designer, especially at a higher level. You’re not bringing us in to repeat what you already know you like or to be directed every step of the way. You’re bringing us in for our perspective, our resources, and the ability to see things a little differently. We’re never going to lead you in a direction that doesn’t work, but we are going to push you a bit, because that’s where a space starts to feel more thoughtful, more layered, and ultimately a more thoughtful, refined version of your vision. Brought to life with a level of detail that’s hard to achieve without a clear plan behind it.
Part 2!

Make sure to subscribe to us on Substack if you like these types of updates and casual content about our renovation journey! There’s a reason we call it Between the Layers ;)
Kaylei in the Oregon studio, while I’m in the Tennessee office together, collaborating on building out a client’s space... this is what our Premier Virtual Design actually looks like behind the scenes.

Most virtual design services stop at a moodboard, but we’re thinking through how you actually live in your home... what’s working, what’s not, and how every material fits together before you ever click “add to cart.” From detailed floor plans and elevations to fully curated selections and a complete spec guide.

Just delivered in a way that lets you implement it on your own timeline. If you’ve been wanting a designer but don’t necessarily need the full-service logistics, this is exactly where we see this working really well. If that sounds like you, you can inquire through our website or fill out our inquiry form to get started (link in bio) 🤍