Gin & Cypress Mocktail
This Gin & Cypress Mocktail is a delicious non-alcoholic sip! Homemade juniper berry syrup offers piney and peppery bite.
Servings: 1 drink
Ingredients
For the juniper berry syrup:
- 1 Tbsp culinary grade juniper berries
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 3 cardamom pods
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
To make the mocktail:
- 1 oz juniper berry syrup
- 4 oz good quality tonic water (such as Fever Tree)
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1 sprig Rosemary
- 3 Juniper Berries, to garnish
Instructions
For the juniper berry syrup:
- Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat.
- Swirl the pan, encouraging the sugar to dissolve. Once sugar is completely dissolved, remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, crush juniper berries, fennel, and cardamom with a mortar and pestle. If you don't have one, no worries! Place ingredients on a cutting board and crush with a flat surface (a coffee mug, measuring cup, or saucepan would work great!). You're really just wanting to crack the seeds open, which will allow them to infuse the syrup.
- Add crushed seeds and pods to the syrup. Allow to steep for no less than 30 minutes: note that the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be!
- Once your desired flavor is reached, strain with a fine mesh strainer in to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To make the mocktail:
- Pour juniper berry syrup into a low ball glass. Top with tonic water and crushed ice.
- Take your rosemary in one hand and slap your hands together. This releases its essential oils, giving your beverage a delicious aroma.
- Garnish with rosemary and sliced lemon.