Launched in 2017, Wild Thyme Spirits has moved production of Colonsay Gin home to its namesake Inner Hebridean island.
Traditionally juniper led, Colonsay Gin is a classic London Dry style, distilled with botanicals such as angelica root, calamus root, liquorice root, orange peel, orris root and coriander seeds. Ideally served over ice, the gin is typically well-matched with tonic and an unusual garnish of green chilli, yet also works as a powerful cocktail base. The ‘Colonsay Bees Knees’ celebrates produce from Colonsay and the island’s native Black Bees. Easy to create at home, the cocktail combines the gin, with fresh lemon and orange juice, plus a syrup of Colonsay wildflower honey and fresh sprigs of thyme.
The Colonsay Bees Knees is a lovely cocktail to make for a brunch, with the orange juice and sprig of rosemary you’ll be feeling calm and ready for the day in no time!
This recipe will make more than you need but you will have plenty of syrup left over for future cocktail making.
Colonsay Bees Knees
Ingredients
- 50 ml Colonsay Gin
- 20 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 20 ml Fresh orange juice
- 2 tsp Colonsay honey & thyme syrup
- Sprig of thyme, to garnish
To Make The Honey Syrup:
- 100 ml Colonsay Honey
- 100 ml Water
- 3-4 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Put the gin and honey syrup into a cocktail shaker and stir to dissolve the honey.
- Add the lemon and orange juice and top with ice.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and serve.
- Alternatively strain into a tall glass with ice for a less sweet drink.
To make the honey & thyme syrup
- Combine equal parts thyme-honey and warm water.
- Heat in a small saucepan and simmer for several minutes until honey is dissolved.
- Remove from the heat.
- Pour the honey and thyme into a jar and allow to sit overnight.
- This recipe will make more than you need but you will have plenty of syrup left over for future cocktail making.