Blueberry Thyme Gin Fizz

Gin is making a comeback, people! I’m telling you!

I was never a big gin drinker. Lately, though, I’ve been super down on the stuff. So what even is gin? Well, it’s vodka. Gin is distilled from grain, just like vodka, but then instead of bottling it as is - it gets (traditionally) flavored with juniper berries for its distinct herbal aroma and flavor.

BUT GRAINS.

THE GLUTEN!

WHAT ABOUT THE GLUTEN?!

Worry not, friend. Distilled alcohol, like gin, vodka, bourbon, etc, “is safe for consumption regardless of source because the distillation process removes all gluten from wheat, barley, or rye.”. This, from the Celiac Disease Foundation. That is probably annoying, because you’ve probably been spending money on “gluten free” vodkas made from unicorn grapes when you could’ve just bought whatever kind you like. The ‘gluten-free’ distilled alcohol thing is a total marketing ploy. Bastards. So enjoy your gin, your vodka, your scotch.

Back to gin.

Today I’m using Greylock Gin from Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield, MA. Of course you don’t HAVE to use this gin, but it’s what I’m using today. Gin Mare, and Bar Hill Gin from Caledonia are two others that I’m a big fan of with this recipe. I like the Greylock because it’s floral, with citrus notes and a little bit of pepper which is great with the thyme and lemon in this cocktail.

Blueberry Thyme Gin Fizz

Kristin Kaschak | BigBrashLife.com

  • prep time: 2 Min
  • cook time: 0
  • total time: 2 Min (it's a cocktail, afterall)

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Greylock Gin (or gin of choice)
  • 1 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • Small handful of blueberries (7-8 berries)
  • 1/4 tsp raw honey
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 3-4 dashes of citrus bitters (or a twist of lemon rind)
  • Club soda
  • Extra blueberries and a few springs of thyme for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a glass or shaker: combine the gin, lemon juice, blueberries, honey and thyme. Use a muddler or wooden spoon (or anything that you can mash with) to muddle the ingredients (mash everything up in bartender speak).
  2. Add in a few dashes of citrus bitters, or top with your lemon rind twist, and fill the glass with ice.
  3. Top with club soda, give it a stir, and add a few extra blueberries and a spring or two of thyme for garnish.
CocktailsKristin KaschakComment