Summer in Provence Blackberry Gin Cocktail

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