Honey Thyme Cocktail
///The spring days are getting longer and I feel summer approaching in the breeze off the Puget Sound. The last few weeks the sun has been shining and the thyme in my kitchen garden has been going wild. Naturally, my mind starts formulating ways in which I can make a refreshing cocktail of this prolific herb.
The honey thyme cocktail uses a homemade honey syrup infused with thyme instead of the traditional simple syrup made from refined sugar. It will not only retain the subtle sweetness that we love in our summer refreshments, but it will also give you a bounty of health benefits from the honey including vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and calcium.
Honey Thyme Cocktail
Serves 1
Honey Thyme Syrup
½ cup of water
½ cup of honey
10 sprigs of thyme
Honey Thyme Cocktail
3 ounces of gin (about two shots)
Juice of half a lemon (about 1.5 tablespoons)
1.5 tablespoon of honey thyme syrup
Splash of sparkling water
Ice cubes
2 sprigs of thyme for garnish
In a small saucepan, combine water, honey, and thyme over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and then reduce to a low simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to let the flavors marinate for at least 10 minutes. Remove the thyme by straining the mixture through a sieve. Place the honey simple syrup in the fridge to chill until you are ready to serve.
Shake gin, lemon, and honey thyme syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and pour just a splash of sparkling water over the top. Garnish with 2 sprigs of thyme. Cheers!
//Cook’s Note: If you want to make this in a larger quantity, the honey thyme syrup mixture is enough to make 12 servings. In a large pitcher or punch bowl add syrup, 1.5 cups of lemon juice, and 4.5 cups of gin. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve. Upon serving add 2 cups of ice cubes and 1 cup of sparkling water. Pour into cocktail glasses garnished with 2 thyme sprigs.
