Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and warmer weather is finally upon us!!
I don’t know about anyone else, but as soon as the nice weather starts, the urge to entertain family and friends hits! There is something to be said for sitting outside on the patio with your closest friends, munching on some appetizers and sipping on a fun cocktail, but just don’t forget the sunscreen. Funny story, last year the first time we sat outside for the Season I was so naïve and thought no way the sun is “strong” enough to need sunscreen, well needless to say, I still have that same tan line today. Being outside usually gets your creative juices flowing, I know it helps me put a creative spin on some of my typical cocktails. In the winter months, my go to cocktail is a classic gin and tonic with cucumber. As soon as the patio furniture comes out, I’m like a whole new person and I can’t wait to tweak the recipe and make it more elaborate – different fruits, simple syrup, and even actual measurements!
Here’s my latest take on a gin and tonic…
FigGin Tonic
Ingredients
(For the simple syrup)
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
3 figs cubed
(For the cocktail)
2 oz Gin
4 oz Tonic Water
½ oz Fig simple syrup
Ice
1 Fresh Fig halved.
For the simple syrup- add all the ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for about 7-10 minutes. Once it’s cooled, strain the liquid and keep it in an airtight jar. We use our Small Panel Bottle and store it in the fridge for about 1 week.
For the cocktail- using a tumbler, fill the glass with ice cubes halfway, pour in the gin, simple syrup and tonic water. Stir and top with a fresh fig to garnish.
What’s your go to drink? Do you tweak it between seasons?