Kirke, the first witch of western literature and Greek demi-goddess has influenced witchcraft for 3000 years. Join me for a deep dive into her origins, her role in the Odyssey, and where she fits into Ancient Greek gender roles.

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Kirke’s Cup

2oz Rosemary or other herbaceous gin

Cucumber peeled, about 2 inches thick

1 oz fresh lime juice

1 oz elderflower liqueur

1/2 oz Herb infused simple syrup*

4-5 fresh basil leaves

Splash of club soda for a tall drink if you like but not necessary at all

*Herbal simple syrup - you’re going to use this a lot once you taste it so make the full recipe. 3 big sprigs of rosemary is enough but if you’re extra, add fresh thyme, oregano, and sage in equal amounts. Put one cup of sugar and a cup of water in sauce pot with herbs of your choice, bring to a rolling boil and immediately turn off heat and cover with a lid. Let steep for at least an hour, then strain and pop into the fridge until cool. Will keep in fridge for 3 months; throw out if you see weird scum on top or funky dudes floating around in there.

Muddle your cuke and basil together in a shaker. Mash the heck out of them. Add gin, lime juice, herbal syrup, elderflower liqueur and ice; shake it like a Polaroid picture because you want this to be icy cold. You know what to do Lucy Liu.

Strain and pour into coupe or whatever you’ve got that makes you feel fancy. Add a splash of club soda if you want; it’s good either way. Garnish with a strip of cucumber or basil or whatever herbs you’ve used. Cheers.

ANCIENT GREEK COSMOLOGY & COSMOGONY

Join me for an in-depth look at the way ancient greeks viewed their universe and the origins of the Cosmos and the gods.

This episode's Cosmic Spark cocktail can be found on IG @haghappyhourpodcast

Music by Michael Levy - On Spotify and www.ancientlyre.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Cosmic Spark

Makes 2 cocktails

2 oz Dulce Vida Blanco organic tequila

2 oz POM pomegranate juice

1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

1 oz Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur

1 oz pomegranate liqueur

1 oz Cointreau or other orange liqueur

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

1-2 dashes of Peychaud’s or orange bitters

Tajin for the glass rim

Ice

Whack it all into a shaker, ice last, and get out some aggression with a 20 second shake. Yell into the void if you like.

Run a lime around martini glass rim and dip into Tajin.

Strain with a fine mesh strainer into your glass.

Notes from me:

- POM is the only acceptable pomegranate juice. Shelf stable brands all were bitter and weak.

- If you hate ginger, leave out the ginger liqueur and sub simple syrup. Muddle in a few slices of jalapeños for heat if you like.

-Drink it ice cold. Freeze your martini glass if you can.