Juniper Rose Bees Knees | A Spring Cocktail
Gin seems to be a polarizing liquor. Either the floral and often intense botanical flavors really appeal to you, or they really don't. Personally, I love it. Gin is my absolute favorite spirit. I love the aromatic and complex flavor of the juniper berries. My go-to gin libation is the classic gin and tonic but I recently discovered the Bees Knees and it's quickly becoming another favorite.
The Bees Knees is a delicious combination of aromatic gin, tart lemon juice, and sweet honey syrup. What's not to love, right? I decided to make a little Spring twist and created a juniper and rosewater simple syrup. It pairs so well with the gin and is so fresh! It's the perfect cocktail for a Spring gathering, and just in time for Easter! Cheers!
Juniper Rose Bees Knees
makes 1 cocktail
2 oz gin (I like Henrick's because it's especially floral/botanical)
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz juniper rose simple syrup (recipe below)
lemon slice, to garnish
dried juniper berries, to garnish (optional)
dried culinary-grade rose petals, to garnish (optional)
Juniper Rose Syrup
1/2 c water
1/2 c honey
1 T rosewater
1 T dried juniper berries, lightly crushed
make the syrup
Combine the water, honey and juniper berries in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and heat until honey is completely melted and mixture is just starting to bubble. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely then strain out the juniper berries. Add the rosewater. Chill before adding to cocktail. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
make the drink
In a cocktail shaker, add gin, lemon juice, and syrup. Add ice and shake for a good 10-15 seconds until shaker is cold. Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube (or a few regular-sized ones). Garnish with a slice of lemon, juniper berries, and dried rose petals.
*I found my juniper berries in the bulk section of my local grocery store but if you have a hard time finding them, simply omit and make a honey rosewater simple syrup. It'll still be delicious!
