WE TASTE WITH OUR EYES FIRST…
We’re remixing a classic gin cocktail…a Bee Knees. We’re all about aesthetics here, so this one definitely catches the eye. Beautiful, but also tastes amazing. With that said, pull out your fancy glasses and charcuterie boards! Grab a bottle of @empress1908gin, figs, raspberry & chocolate bitters. Yes….chocolate!!
Figs are in season for fall. Chocolate is ALWAYS in season….all day, every day in my house. According to my Flavor Bible (awesome book), these two pair extremely well. I figured they were th perfect combo to use with Empress Gin. Side note: if you don’t have a Flavor Bible, I highly recommend one. It’s great for looking up what flavors pair well for cocktails, but definitely for cooking as well.
WHAT MAKES THIS GIN SO SPECIAL?
The gin is smooth and made with butterfly pea blossom, which gives it a beautiful indigo color. A chemical reaction with the acid from lemons turns the cocktail to a beautiful pink tint. Along with vibrant color, there are earthy notes In the gin. To compliment that earthiness, I made a Thyme Simple Syrup. I recommend homemade syrups whenever possible. They’re so easy and cheap to make. We’ll talk about that below.
With the color and fruit for garnish, you’ll want to snap a few photos before you take a sip of this gin cocktail. And when you do take those pictures, please share them with me! Let’s get to mixin!
Thyme Simple Syrup
- 1 C. Water
- 1 C. Sugar
- 4-5 Thymes Springs
Start by combining all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir until all sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain into a container. Let the syrup cool completely before use.
Bougie Bees Knees Cocktail
- 1½ oz Empress Gin
- 1 oz Thyme Syrup
- ½ oz St. Germain
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- 2 figs (chopped) + more for garnish
- 3-4 raspberries + more for garnish
- 3 dashes of chocolate bitters
Add figs, raspberries & thyme syrup and muddle to break up the fruit. Just long enough to express the juices to incorporate into the syrup. Add in remaining ingredients. Fill your shaker halfway with ice and shake to chill (Larger icecubes work best). This should take about 10 seconds (make your shake fun with a twerk or two!) Strain into your favorite cocktail and garnish with extra fruit. Enjoy!
After you try the Bougie Bees Knees, try a Raspberry Gimlet!
