I enjoy a cocktail after a long week of farm work. I change the simple syrup, garnish, and flavor base depending on what is in season and my mood, but I always go with gin. I tend to favor Barr Hill Gin for its flowery and fresh notes. *See below for simple syrup recipe.
Spring:
- 1 cup Strawberries, pureed
- Mint, 3 sprigs
- Seltzer
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz mint simple syrup
Summer:
- Basil, 3 sprigs
- 2 Limes, juiced
- Seltzer
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz basil simple syrup
Fall:
- Rosemary, 3 sprigs
- Cranberry Juice, 2 oz
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz rosemary simple syrup
In a shaker, add 2 fresh herb sprigs and muddle lightly. Add juice or puree, simple syrup, and gin. Add 1 cup of ice and shake well for 15 seconds. Strain into a highball glass over 1 large ice cube or 3 small cubes. Add seltzer to top up the drink and garnish with 1 sprig of fresh herb.
*To make simple syrup, add 1 cup of water to 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar is dissolved. Take off heat and add 2-3 sprigs of fresh herbs and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain out herbs and pour the simple syrup into a glass jar to cool before use. This can be stored in the fridge for about 2 weeks.