in the Mix asked Kathy Casey if she could recommend a sassy, fun cocktail made with gin for the summer months. She gifted us with a wonderful recipe using an elixir utilizing the whole lemon, rind and all. We gave it a try in our mixology lab and were delighted with the outcome. I’m sure you will enjoy it also!
Gin with House-Made Bitter Lemon and Soda
For a savory twist, try shaking in a sprig of fresh tarragon or rosemary with the gin and bitter lemon, before adding the sparkling water. For a demonstration of how to make the house-made bitter lemon and this cocktail, check out the cocktail video on www.LiquidKitchen.tv.
May we suggest, Fifty Pounds, Rare and Handcrafted Small-Batch London Dry Gin
Makes 1 cocktail
1 1/2 oz gin
1 oz Bitter Lemon Elixir (recipe follows)
2 oz Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water chilled
Garnish: Lemon wheel and optional fresh tarragon or rosemary
Measure the gin and Bitter Lemon Elixir into a mixing glass. Fill with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
Add soda and stir. Garnish.
Bitter Lemon Elixir
Makes 2 1/2 cups
4 Sunkist lemons
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Wash lemons and cut the ends off. Then slice each lemon in half lengthwise and each half into 4 slices. Combine lemons, sugar and water in a blender cup. Process on high until almost smooth – mixture should still have some texture. Place mixture in a medium non-corrosive pan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Let boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour. Strain through a fine strainer. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe and Photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® – www.LiquidKitchen.com