I was reading the New York Times one day recently and stumbled upon a review of a bar located in NYC that specializes in gin and jam cocktails. Gin...and jam? What a delicious combination! Jams are incredibly versatile, ranging from the commonly known sweet flavors, to an array of spicy and savory. The main ingredient could be as common as strawberry, or as exotic as tomato and passionfruit, or fig and vanilla bean! I've been so hooked on harvest moon cocktails lately, that I forgot to experiment with this duo until now. I'm quite pleased with this first creation. I used raspberry jam just because that's what I had in my fridge. Get creative with any flavor you'd like!
I used Broker's dry gin because it was on display at my local wine shop. I also like Gordon's and Bombay.
For two cocktails you'll need:
2 martini glasses or short tumblers
A cocktail shaker
ice
3 teaspoons of jam plus a little more for serving
1 oz of lemon or lime juice
4 oz of gin
club soda
a bright green garnish. a tender sprig of thyme, a leaf of basil, or a lime wedge
Place a small dollop of jam in the bottom of each glass (about a half teaspoon). Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add in lemon juice, gin, and jam. Shake well. Pour into glasses and add a splash of club soda to each. Garnish and serve. Happy New Year!
