Pucker Up!
In January and that means citrus season is here. It’s time for all things light and refreshing. Lot’s of you with much better will-power than I, take advantage of “Dry January” Well, I skip that, ‘cuz, I really do know myself that well.
But my best intentions are to lighten up everything following the past couple of months. This is the time of year for a for a truly delicious tipple that’s just right for the season of less is more. It’s a Meyer Lemon and Thyme Vodka Spritzer. A little lighter on the alcohol, but full of delicious citrus and a hint of thyme. This is a great sipper for brunch or anytime.
I’m so in love with Meyer Lemons! It’s a most delicious blend of tangerine and lemon. The fruit is super fragrant and I love to use it cocktails.
It’s particularly delicious with vodka. I’m also in the process of making some homemade Meyer Limoncello. I will share that blog soon, when it’s ready!
If you’re not familiar with Meyer lemons, they are slightly sweeter than regular lemons. The skin is smoother than lemons but it can be used in almost anyway you’d use a regular lemon. You need just a little less sugar if you’re making lemonade or even in a cocktail.
For a little stronger cocktail, here’s a link to a tempting Meyer Lemon Martini: https://wp.me/p9KEfL-HE Or, for another delicious cocktail made with Meyer Lemons, try this Lemon Colada. So, so good! Here’s a link: https://wp.me/p9KEfL-2m0
Meyer Lemon and Thyme Vodka Spritzer Cocktail
The sweetener in this spritzer is a very simple (thus the name) thyme simple syrup. Like any simple syrup, it’s equal measures of sugar to water and then steeped with some of the flavor you want to infuse. In this case, I think a light addition of thyme adds such a nice herbal note. Not too strong, just a nice compliment to the Meyer Lemon.
For the Thyme Infused Simple Syrup
In a small sauce pan, add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, adding about 5 sprigs of fresh thyme and then remove from the heat. Let the syrup steep until cool, then remove the thyme sprigs, discard. You can keep the simple syrup for up to a month in the refrigerator in a well sealed container.
For the Cocktail:
Fill a tall glass, or Collins glass with ice. Add 3/4 ounce of the thyme simple syrup and 2 ounces of vodka and 2 ounces of Meyer lemon juice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a twist of Meyer lemon and a sprig of fresh thyme.
Cheers and Happiest wishes for a wonderful New Year!
Meyer Lemon and Thyme Vodka Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients
For the Thyme Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme
For the Cocktail
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce thyme simple syrup
- sparkling water/club soda
Garnish
- Meyer lemon twist
- fresh sprig of thyme
Instructions
For the thyme simple syrup
- In a small sauce pan, add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, adding about 5 sprigs of fresh thyme and then remove from the heat.
- Let the syrup steep until cool, then remove the thyme sprigs, discard.
- You can keep the simple syrup for up to a month in the refrigerator in a well sealed container.
For the Cocktail:
- Fill a tall glass, or Collins glass with ice.
- Add 3/4 ounce of the thyme simple syrup and 2 ounces of vodka and 2 ounces of Meyer lemon juice.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with a twist of Meyer lemon and a sprig of fresh thyme.
- Cheers!
Karen Harris https://www.bittersaltysoursweet.com
