Summer

Summer in Provence Blackberry Gin Cocktail

July 24, 2014
4.3
3 Ratings
  • Serves 1
Author Notes

Summer in Provence is an interpretation of a cocktail sampled at Fig and Olive in New York’s Meatpacking District. Theirs is a martini, but ours is more of a back porch sipper. The combination of fresh fruit juice, tangy gin, and savory spices creates a cocktail fit for a balmy summer evening. It’s refreshing, yet not so sweet that I can’t stop drinking it (this is a problem for me with sweet drinks). It's perfectly well balanced.

Summer in Provence does take some prep work as the thyme and rosemary syrup must be made ahead of time and chilled. A muddler is also beneficial, but not necessary; The back of a spoon works almost as well. —The Wandering Gourmand

Test Kitchen Notes

I love the smell of rosemary so much that I’ve taken it on in my tiny studio as a valid attempt at urban farming! I rarely use rosemary while cooking, but I’ve never turned down the chance to use it in a refreshing, herbaceous cocktail. The herbal flavors infuse really well into the sugar, and better yet, the recipe makes enough to keep a stash in the fridge for those spur-of-the-moment urges for a creative cocktail. —Jacqueline Filla

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Rosemary Thyme Syrup
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • The Cocktail
  • 4 blackberries
  • 3 ounces gin (choose one a bit more citrusy like Cardinal Gin)
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 1 splash club soda
  • 1 handful crushed ice
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary thyme syrup
Directions
  1. Rosemary Thyme Syrup
  2. Mix the water, sugar, and whole sprigs of thyme and rosemary in a small pan.
  3. Bring mixture to a boil for five minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is thickened.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the stovetop and allow to cool.
  1. The Cocktail
  2. Muddle 4 blackberries in the bottom of a cocktail glass. Add crushed ice.
  3. Add gin, thyme rosemary syrup, and a squirt of the lime wedge. Fill the glass the rest of the way with club soda. Cheers!
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  • lapadia
    lapadia
  • The Wandering Gourmand
    The Wandering Gourmand
  • mtncook
    mtncook

4 Reviews

mtncook August 17, 2014
I've got most of the things for this in house, so tonite is the nite. I love drink ingredients that don't use a lot of special liquors or liqueurs, that I would have to buy--then have hanging around if I don't like them.
 
The W. August 18, 2014
How'd it turn out? I hear you on the difficult ingredients. I try to keep things simple and delicious.
 
lapadia August 14, 2014
Congrats on the CP! I will be definitely be trying this cocktail, your recipe is loaded with all of my favorites...
 
The W. August 15, 2014
Thank you! I was quite excited to make the pick with my first entry ever. The cocktail really is delicious. I think I'll make one this weekend... P.S. We made your Himalayan Blueberry Pie this week. It was awesome!