John Whaite’s zesty Lemon Thyme and Champagne Cocktail

It seems that the summer is fast approaching and that can only mean one thing: cocktails. I don’t know about you, but when the sun is shining I crave something refreshing to slowly sip as I watch the world go by. This cocktail is perfect for that.

Thyme is one of those herbs that people associate with roast chicken dinners or lamb, but actually it is so beautiful in sweet things. I would bake a cake with it, but we’re all watching our weight for the beach, so sip; don’t scoff.

Ingredients

– 200g lemon juice
– 200g caster sugar
– Small handful thyme (use lemon thyme or broad leaf – not that horrible leggy stuff)

Method

Dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice and bring to the boil in a small saucepan. Boil for just a minute until slightly thickened, then turn off the heat and add the thyme. Allow to infuse until completely cold, then strain into a jar.

Ingredients (per cocktail)
– 20ml lemon and thyme cordial (above)
– 20ml vodka
– Champagne to top (or just a cheap, dry prosecco)
– Thyme to garnish

Shake the cordial and the vodka together over ice in a cocktail shaker or jam jar with tight fitting lid. Strain into a champagne saucer or flute, and top with the champagne. Add a sprig of thyme to garnish.

Follow John Whaite on Twitter @JohnWhaiteBakes or visit his official website.

More from John Whaite on attitude.co.uk:
> John Whaite’s spicy summertime meatballs
> John Whaite’s great bake for a Parisian-inspired afternoon tea