A new cocktail bar in Lindenhurst is bringing back a drink many Long Islanders on the South Shore may recognize — Holy Lola.
“Holy Lola is named after my dog, Lola,” says Jonathan Gonzalez, who owns the cocktail bar with his wife, Gabrielle Gonzalez. “Lola is a rescue mutt (now 9 years old), and my first dog. I always wanted to create something with lavender, but I wanted it to be unique and, more importantly, not soapy. After spending time at Lavender by the Bay, I had that eureka moment and realized a margarita would be the best vehicle for what I wanted to create.”
Holy Lola is made up of tequila blanco, Cointreau, lime juice, and lavender syrup.
“For the tequila, you want to use a bright, peppery and earthy expression such as Tequila Ocho,” he says. “Definitely take the time to juice limes. Fresh is always best. Cointreau is really going to carry this drink: Even though it’s a small quantity it does a lot of heavy lifting. And, lastly, the star of the show is the lavender syrup.”
To make the drink, begin by weighing out 1/4 cup of cane sugar and 1/4 cup of water and then add them both to a pot. Bring to a simmer. Let it rest until it reaches room temperature. Then add two tablespoons of fresh lavender. Cover and let rest overnight in the refrigerator.
“Fine strain the next day, and you’ll have a beautifully fragrant and floral lavender syrup,” Gonzalez says.
Holy Lola has made an appearance at a couple of restaurants on Long Island. Jonathan first introduced the cocktail at South Shore Dive in Sayville in 2015 and also served it at Blackbird in Wantagh.
He describes Holy Lola to guests as “the best margarita on Long Island.”
Hunter & Thief is located at 21 W. Hoffman Ave, Lindenhurst. It can be reached @hunterandthief on Instagram.
For more food and drink coverage, visit longislandpress.com/category/food-drink.
Sign up for Long Island Press’ email newsletters here. Sign up for home delivery of Long Island Press here. Sign up for discounts by becoming a Long Island Press community partner here.
