Pairings & Pours: Citrus & Celebrations

Lemon-forward sips for May gatherings: from Derby Day mint juleps to boozy ice cream treats

If The Dinner Bell is a love letter to food, Pairings & Pours is the handwritten note tucked in the wine bottle. Each week, I uncork a story, a pairing, and a moment to savor, from vineyard visits to spirited cocktails, non-alcoholic options, and seasonal drinks that bring the week’s recipe to life. Join me for a pour, a pairing, and something extra.

As May Blooms…

Our desert landscape has transformed with May's arrival. It’s a tapestry of pink, purple, orange, and yellow blooms dancing against nature's green and blue backdrop. Hummingbirds dip their tiny beaks into tulip-shaped flowers, doves busily construct nests for their future families, and those crystal-clear blue skies frame perfect days before June's scorching temperatures arrive. Even Archie, my German shepherd, has established his outdoor command post on his platform bed directly across from the front gate, keeping watchful eyes on happy neighbors, giddy kids, and playful puppies passing by.

I love this time of year! The desert shows off its most inviting face before summer's intensity takes hold. What better season to gather friends and family for celebrations? May practically bursts with special occasions in my world with birthdays for at least fifteen friends (honestly, I’ve lost count!) my sister, and my mother, plus all the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and my nephew Ian's graduation from Point Loma High School in San Diego before he heads off to Arizona State University. So much to celebrate!

With festivities filling our calendars, I’ve dug into the family archives for heritage recipes that are fun, easy, and bursting with flavor - perfect for any May gathering. This Sunday, I’m excited to share a refreshing Lemon Ice Cream recipe straight from Mom Baker's treasured recipe box, lovingly crafted by her daughter Mary Lou. Trust me, it's the ideal cool treat as the thermometer climbs and summer begins peeking around the corner.

Below, I've pulled together some wonderful pairings that’ll keep you refreshed while toasting all those May birthdays, graduations, and holidays. So grab a glass and join me as we savor these delightful spring moments before those long summer days arrive.

Non-Alcoholic Options

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Waterloo Lemon Lime Sparkling Water

Crisp and refreshing sip in a Highball Glass on a hot afternoon

Find at Thrive Market, Whole Foods Market, or Amazon

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Olipop Lemon Lime Soda

My birthday-girl sister, Jackie, introduced me to this gem last year, and I’ve been hooked ever since

Find at Thrive Market, Whole Foods Market, or Amazon

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Traditional Medicinals Lemon Balm Tea

I once planted lemon balm in my yard, and honestly, I ate most of the leaves straight off the plant before they ever made it into a dish. Grow your own if you can; it makes all the difference. For an extra special touch, try infusing your tea with fresh lavender sprigs for a calming twist

Find at Thrive Market, Whole Foods Market, or Amazon

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Lemon Ice Cream Float

• 1 scoop of lemon ice cream

• Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda

• Sprig of mint for garnish

• Serve in a tall sundae glass for a nostalgic moment

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Spirits & Cocktails

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Boozy Lemon Cream Shake

• 2 scoops of lemon ice cream

• 1 oz. vodka

• 1/2 oz. limoncello

• Splash of cream

• Blend until smooth

• Garnish with lemon zest or candied lemons

• Candied lemons: Mix 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add thin slices from 2 lemons and simmer for 1 minute. Remove the lemon slices using a slotted spoon and place them on parchment paper. Allow to cool and dry completely before using as a garnish.

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Lemon Lavender Whiskey Sour
A surprisingly versatile partner for heritage recipes

• 3 oz. Bourbon whiskey

• 1 oz. Lemon Lavender Simple Syrup

• Ice

• Slice of lemon

• Sprig of lavender

• Shake ingredients with ice, strain into an Old Fashioned Whiskey Glass, then garnish with lemon and lavender.

• Lemon Lavender Simple Syrup: Mix 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, and 4 organic lavender sprigs (I cut a few sprigs from my garden). Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves, letting the lavender infuse until the syrup is cool, then strain and store until ready to use.

Traditional Derby Day Mint Julep
A Kentucky classic for the first Saturday in May

• 2 oz. Woodford Bourbon Whiskey

• 1/2 oz. Mint Julep Cocktail Syrup

• 3 fresh mint leaves

• Crushed ice

• Sprig of mint

• Served in a silver or pewter cup, muddle the mint in the bottom and sides, add syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir, then garnish with more ice, fresh mint, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

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Lemon Lavender Mint Julep
My special twist on the classic for graduation celebrations

• 2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

• 1/2 oz. Lemon Lavender Syrup

• 4-5 mint leaves

• Crushed ice

• Slice of lemon

• Sprig of lavender

• Fresh mint leaves

• Follow the traditional method, but use the Lemon Lavender Simple Syrup instead. Garnish with mint leaves, a slice of lemon, and a few sprigs of lavender. Sip with a straw!

Stories Behind the Sips

My journey with specialty foods and beverages has been a lifelong adventure! I was actually part of the team that opened the first Whole Foods in our desert back in 2015. While I worked in the Whole Body department, I couldn't resist sampling every delightful food and drink on those gorgeous shelves – a habit I'd developed over years living in Palo Alto, Newport Beach, Tustin, Santa Barbara, and San Diego. Who can resist Whole Foods? When Thrive Market launched that same year, I immediately signed up, loving the idea of getting healthy options delivered right to my door from a company that shares my values for gluten-free, dairy-free, and GMO-free products.

The Kentucky Derby Day Julep holds a special place in my heart because of my lifelong love affair with horses. My dad once made what he probably considered a tactical error when he asked if I preferred to go to high school or have him buy me a horse. Without hesitation, I chose the horse! That decision sparked a lifetime of equine appreciation that makes the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby irresistible to me each year.

While I'm conscious of the complex relationship between competitive sports and animal welfare, my experiences with Archie and the horses I've ridden throughout my life have taught me something important: athletic animals, like humans, often thrive with purpose and activity. Every Derby day, I'm glued to the screen - sometimes placing a modest wager (we're talking a few dollars here), and occasionally winning, like when California Chrome thundered to victory. But mostly, I'm there to admire these magnificent animals - their distinct personalities, remarkable strength, and that breathtaking stride that seems to barely touch the ground. For fellow horse enthusiasts looking to extend the Derby Day experience, I highly recommend curling up with the Seabiscuit book or movie, or watching Secretariat's breathtaking Belmont Stakes victory - perhaps with a Mint Julep in hand!

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Sauce | Cinco de Mayo Enchiladas

While we don't typically pair beverages directly with ice cream, our lemon-forward drinks complement the upcoming Lemon Ice Cream recipe by celebrating the same bright, refreshing flavors that make May so special. Enjoy these drinks before or after your ice cream treat, or serve them alongside other lemony dishes from our archives.

Grilled Chicken + Lemon Sauce

Create a Mediterranean-inspired spread with lemony grilled chicken drizzled with John Baker's famous lemon sauce (a family treasure!), accompanied by a tricolore salad finished with lemon parmesan dressing. This elegant combination was inspired by a local favorite, Kiki's, here in Palm Desert, and pairs beautifully with either the Lemon Balm Tea or the Lemon Lavender Whiskey Sour.

Enchiladas + Salsa + Guacamole & Chips

Just in time for your Cinco de Mayo celebration! These festive dishes create the perfect backdrop for any of our lemon-forward drinks. The bright citrus notes in the beverages cut through the richness of the enchiladas while complementing the fresh flavors in the salsa and guacamole. Try the Waterloo Lemon Lime Sparkling Water for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Simple Snack Pairings

Need just a little bite to accompany your drink? Consider these options:

• Curate a colorful bowl of mixed berries and citrus segments for a refreshing nibble that echoes the bright notes in your drinks

• A small selection of artisanal cheeses offers a creamy contrast to the tangy citrus flavors

• Coconut-based snacks provide a touch of sweetness that balances the zesty drinks. I have a bit of an obsession with Unreal candy: try their dark chocolate coconut bar, it's yum yum!

• Don't forget those candied lemon slices from the Boozy Lemon Cream Shake recipe. They make delightful standalone treats that perfectly complement any of the drinks while bringing out the citrus notes in Sunday's lemon ice cream!

Share & Connect

Enjoy these pairings, stories, or both? I’d love to hear your favorite lemon-inspired drink ideas or May celebration memories in the comments below.

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