Herb-flavored simple syrups, where have you been all my (bartending) life? Discovering this technique is one of the greatest breakthroughs in the bar - or in the kitchen - that I’ve had in along time. And it only takes a couple of minutes! My new plan is to make up a big batch of simple syrup, and divide it across 3 or 4 different small containers, each stuffed with a different herb, then try and make a new drink out of each. If that’s not interesting to you - just try this cocktail. It is so refreshing, so unique-but-not-too-weird, and definitely easy.
Adapted from foodandwine.com recipe archives.
Ingredients: Stoli Oranj (or another citrus vodka), one lemon, club soda, 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, some freshly made and still warm simple syrup (i.e. 1/2 cup each sugar and water).
To make the thyme simple syrup, just heat the sugar and water over medium flame in a small saucepan until boiling, simmer for 3 minutes, and remove from heat. Then pour some of the sugar syrup over 3 thyme sprigs in a small tupperware container. Allow to cool to room temperature, or ideally in the fridge for a few hours to get the full flavor. The rest of the plain simple syrup can also be stored in the fridge for a few weeks in a sealed container.
To get started making the drink, quarter the lemon, and place the pieces in a cocktail shaker.
Add 2 ounces of Stoli Oranj to the shaker, and 1 tablespoon of the thyme syrup.
Muddle the contents of the shaker well to crush the lemon wedges so they release all their juice.
Fill the shaker with ice (right on top of the lemon is fine), then pour in 2 ounces of club soda.
Place a thyme sprig in a highball glass then fill with crushed ice. Shake and strain the lemonade into the glass.
September 28th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Great post - thanks for sharing!