Can you guys believe it’s Memorial Day weekend already? Seems like this year is just flying by. Which, is fine by me – I’m tired of the harsh cold we’ve had all winter long. My poor rosemary bush kicked the bucket, she’s gotta be 10 years old – I transplanted her here from our townhouse on Chincoteague when we moved 7 years ago. One too many hard ground freezes I suppose…
At any rate, I’m looking forward to sunny days at the beach and sandbar sooner rather than later. And this cocktail is perfect for warmer weather. A simple syrup is made with fresh blueberries, fresh thyme, sugar and water. Then the blueberry concoction is mixed with gin, St. Germain, and club soda for a little bubbly flair.
It’s a wonderful combination of sweetness from the blueberries, herb notes from the elderflower liquor and the fresh thyme, and a crispness from the gin and twist of lemon. Very light and refreshing.Garnished with a few fresh berries and a sprig of thyme – it doesn’t get any prettier!
I used Prairie Gin, it’s lighter in flavors than many other gins I’ve tried – but still great notes of juniper berries which is perfect in this cocktail. They were kind enough to send me a bottle of their gin, as well as one of their vodkas – and I’m looking forward to doing more experimentation at the bar with them!
Be sure to stop by on Monday for another awesome blueberry recipe and a great giveaway to go along with it! I hope that everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!
Blueberry-Thyme Gin Smash
For the syrup:
2 cups fresh blueberries, washed and dried
6 stems fresh thyme (small handful)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
For the cocktail:
2 Tbsp bluberry-thyme syrup
2 ounce gin
1 ounce elderflower liquer (like St. Germain)
3-4 ounces club soda
fresh blueberries, for garnish
thyme sprigs, for garnish
slice of lemon, for garnish
ice
Combine all of the syrup ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until berries burst open and have become very soft. Place a mesh strainer over a small bowl and push the berry mixture through to get out large chunks of skins and stems. Place berry puree in a small bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
To make the cocktails, fill glass with ice. Add blueberry-thyme syrup, gin, elderflower liquor, and top with club soda. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with slice of lemon, fresh berries, and a sprig of thyme or mint.
Disclaimer: I received a bottle from Prairie Organic Spirits for review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
