Ingredients
1/2 c. honey
1/4 c. water
5 sprigs thyme
2 oz. gin
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
Lemon peel and thyme sprig, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook honey, water, and thyme, stirring constantly and bruising thyme leaves as you stir, until honey has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then discard thyme.Step 2Make Ahead: Honey syrup can be made 2 weeks ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
Step 1In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and 3/4 oz. honey syrup. Fill shaker with ice and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds.Step 2Strain into a coupe. Garnish with lemon and thyme.
Since straight honey doesn’t mix well with cold liquids and ice, we opt for a honey simple syrup in this recipe. To up the botanical flavors, we throw in some thyme to infuse the syrup: totally optional but delicious! Alternatively, if you’re a spicy cocktail-lover, throw a pinch of chili flakes into your honey simple syrup for a Bee’s Knees with some kick. Or, for a more cooling, floral version, shake your cocktail with 1/2 teaspoon rose water. Keep in mind this recipe yields enough honey syrup for 8 cocktails and stays good in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
