You can find me on a patio somewhere drinking this refreshing cocktail. What really takes it to the next level is the Becherovka, a Czech liqueur that I can only describe as “tastes like Christmas.” It’s not overly sweet or syrupy, but has intense spice and herbal notes. See how it’s made here.

Makes 1 Drink

Ingredients

• 1 oz. charred lemon juice *see note on how to make this*

• 1.5 oz. becherovka

• 1 oz. gin

• 3/4 oz. thyme simple syrup or regular

• Tonic for topping off

• Ice

• Garnishes: lemon thyme sugar, lemon peel, maraschino cherry, edible flowers (pansies are in bloom!)

Make it!

1. *Make your charred lemon juice, using a minimum of 2 lemons, but why not more? Slice lemons in half and sear on a lightly greased HOT cast iron or grill. 3-5 minutes until charred and dripping with caramelized juices. Juice and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Set in the fridge to cool down.

2. Make lemon thyme sugar by mixing together 2 tbsp. sugar, a few sprigs worth of thyme leaves and some lemon zest. Paint some simple syrup on the side of your glass and roll in lemon thyme sugar.

3. Build! In your glass, add charred lemon juice, becherovka, gin, and thyme simple syrup. Stir and add ice to the top of the glass, stir again until cold around the sides. Fill to the top with tonic water and stir to combine. Garnish with a lemon peel, maraschino cherry and a pansy! Cheers! 🍋