Mixology at Home - Spring Fling Gin Cocktail

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - With spring, it is time to change your home bar cocktail menu.

While bourbon is a four-season spirit at my home bar, with spring, I need to focus on gins, vodka, and tequila.

It is easy to find great drinks for these spirits. Visit some local bars and see what they offer up for the season.

If you make your own recipes, think about floral liqueurs such as Elderflower. You know, spring flowers. And fruit isn’t just for summer drinks.

In this Mixology at Home, I opted for what I will call a spring fling. No reason, just laziness and uncreative.

It is two ounces of gin (but going lighter, like one and a half ounces, is pretty good); and an ounce of raspberry syrup (maybe even a dash more) in a tall glass with ice. Top it off with club soda, stir, and garnish with fresh raspberries.

Sorry, I didn’t make my own raspberry syrup this time. I used a pretty good store-bought version. However, homemade is best because you can balance the fruit and sugar based on your tastes.

If you make raspberry syrup, add a cup each of water, sugar, and raspberries to a saucepan. Slowly bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for five minutes. Take the pan off the burner, cover it, and let the raspberries steep for an hour or two. The longer you steep it, the stronger the raspberry flavor. Then strain the syrup into a bottle. You can store the syrup in the refrigerator for about two to three weeks.

You could also add the raspberry syrup to a gin and tonic if that is your preference.

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