We’ve been soaking in the sunshine this week and counting down the days for the flowers to bloom. And if there’s one thing we know—pastels are a no-brainer for spring, so we couldn’t resist a DIY Pastel Coaster! Perfect for gifting, or keeping for yourself, but we had to ask ourselves, what’s a coaster without a drink to go with it? Keep reading for the directions for the Coaster, and a refreshing English Garden Cocktail. The two go hand-in-hand for spring!
DIY Pastel Coasters
Tools for coasters
1/4 inch thick corkboard
2 colors of pastel acrylic paint (or add white to mix your own pastel colors)
Bowl to mix paint
Painters tape
Craft knife
Paintbrush
Pen
Hexagon stencil (can make template by printing out a hexagon shape on cardstock and cutting it out)
Mod Podge (optional)
Instructions
Trace out the hexagon shape on your corkboard with a pen.
Use the craft knife to cut out the hexagon.
Tape off half of the hexagon (from one corner to exact opposite, and then the other direction, to form an X). Then tape half again to leave a third of it open to paint.
Mix the paint together to create desired color shade, then paint the open section with two coats (or as many as needed). Let this section dry completely before removing tape and moving on to the next.
Tape off two halves again, leaving a new section of cork open. Paint the open area with the other color.
Let dry completely, then remove tape. If any paint has gotten underneath the paint lines, use the craft knife to remove excess paint and sharpen the lines. Optional: Paint over the colored sections with Mod Podge for an extra sealant.
Use singular coasters under cocktail glasses or combine them under hot plates to protect your countertops.
English Garden Cocktail
Ingredients
1 1/4 oz Elderflower Liqueur
1 oz gin (or vodka)
3/4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
3 cucumber slices, 1/4 inch thick
5 mint leaves
3-4 oz sparking water
Optional Garnish: Cucumber ribbon, lime wheels, mint sprig, edible flower
Directions
Combine lime juice, cucumber slices, and mint leaves in a shaker. Gently muddle to release cucumber juice and mint oils.
Add the gin and elderflower liqueur to the shaker tin, then add ice, and shake well for 10 seconds.
Cut a long, thin, cucumber ribbon by running a vegetable peeler along the cucumber. Place in the glass to create a spiral design, then add ice to hold it in place.
Pour the cocktail from the shaker into the cocktail glass, then top with sparkling water.
Garnish with mint, lime wheels, and edible flowers.
Enjoy! Have a DIY or recipe you’d like to see on One Lombard or Instagram? Let us know in the comments!