Ginnie The Pooh

This seductive gin cocktail, which is inspired by the forest, features juicy blackberries, woodsy thyme, sweet honey, and earthy bitters. I'm pretty sure it's Winnie The Pooh's favorite cocktail!

Ingredients

For the Honey Thyme Simple Syrup

  • 0.5 c local honey
  • 0.5 c water
  • 8-10 sprigs of fresh thyme

For the Cocktail

  • 4-6 fresh, juicy blackberries
  • 2 oz gin
  • 0.25 - 0.5 oz honey thyme simple syrup
  • Dash of walnut (or other) bitters
  • 1-2 oz low-sugar ginger beer
  • Woodsy garnishes of choice

Instructions

  1. To make the simple syrup, combine the honey, water, and fresh thyme in a small saucepan. Bring it to a low boil, then continue to boil until the syrup has developed a pale green color and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  2. Pour the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the thyme leaves, then cool completely.
  3. To make the cocktail, add the blackberries to a cocktail stirring glass and muddle them so they release their colorful juice.
  4. Add the gin, honey thyme simple syrup, and bitters, then stir well with ice.
  5. Fill a serving glass with large ice cubes, then strain in the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve to remove the blackberry seeds. Top it off with ginger beer.
  6. Garnish abundantly with woodsy herbs, berries, and/or edible flowers.
  7. Store any leftover simple syrup in a jar in the fridge for up to several weeks.