Cocktail - Thyme 75

Adapted from The Comfortable Kitchen by Alex Snodgrass (Harper Wave, 2021) and Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, and David Kaplan (Ten Speed Press, 2018)

This is a festive, herb-infused take on the French 75, made with a thyme simple syrup that complements the botanical notes of gin and sparkling wine. It's perfect for brunch, summer evenings, or any time you want something that looks and feels a little celebratory.

For one drink

1 ounce Plymouth Gin
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce Thyme Simple Syrup*
4 ounces cold dry sparkling wine (Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne)
1 thyme sprig, for garnish

Shake the gin, lemon juice, and thyme syrup with ice. Strain into a flute or coupe, then top with sparkling wine. Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.

Thyme Simple Syrup

250g filtered water
250g white sugar
10 to 12 sprigs fresh thyme

Heat the water in a small saucepan just until steaming, not boiling. Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from the heat, add the thyme sprigs, and let steep until the syrup cools to room temperature. Discard the thyme before using.

Snodgrass notes that this syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks—so it's smart to make it ahead (just not too far ahead).

Note: Plain simple syrup (without added herbs or aromatics) can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.