Autumn Spice Cocktails: Clove

The strength of clove is astounding in more ways than one. This is not a spice for the faint of heart — just a little clove goes a long way. While tiny and not intimidating on the outside, these dried tree flower buds native to Indonesia have a strong, distinctive personality and have made their presence known in various cultures throughout history.

Used whole or ground, clove is found in a myriad of recipes across the globe. In India, clove is found in the spice mix garam masala, and is used in many rich, spicy dishes and stews. In Mexico, clove is combined with cumin and cinnamon, which together make their way into main courses as well as desserts. In Vietnam, clove is used to season and spice the broth of the wildly popular pho. But clove doesn't stop there.

Clove is also used in a plethora of teas, most commonly chai, and has long been used with other carminative herbs as a natural digestive agent in liqueurs, cordials, and absinthes. Clove, it seems, is a sneaky little spice. It manages to find its way into just about anything humanly ingestible, and how wondrous, as clove's reputation is also deeply steeped in early medicinal practices. With roots in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, two cultures that continue to influence the entire world's thoughts on the healing arts, clove becomes more impressive the further down its lineage line we go.

As for North American culture however, clove reigns supreme during late fall and well into our chilling winter months. What better a time to introduce The Soothsayer. This cocktail finds dangerous depths of flavor and pulls inspiration directly from clove's healing properties. Create this cocktail at home while preparing for the holiday season and let its calming mojo send you tranquilly into the enchanting season.

Click here for The Soothsayer recipe.

— Ssteincurry, The Spir.it