Oh, seasonal foods. Root veggies, greens, legumes...you all have a place in my heart. But guess what? I'm ready for spring. No, scratch that, I'm ready for summer. And as much as I would LIKE to eat seasonally at all times, Whore Foods (or Whole Foods, whatever you prefer) is a tempting mistress offering up glistening shelves of berries, tomatoes and produce that does not grow within 500 miles of DC, much less in the winter. Your huge display of mangos and avocados made me quiver with longing for warmer times.
So on an unseasonably balmy Saturday in February, I decided to make myself a drink that has NO BUSINESS (NO BUSINESS!) being concocted and consumed this time of year. I made...a Raspberry Thyme Smash. And it was delicious. It was from a July 2008 Bon Apetít. Because I care about each and every one of you, I am going to share this recipe.
This photo was taken by my talented boyfriend, Sean Wallace.
Raspberry Thyme Smash from Bon Apetít
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs, divided
- 7 fresh raspberries, divided
- ice cubes
- 1/4 cup Hendrick's Gin
- 2 tablespoons Simple Syrup (see below)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Ok, first thing's first. I recommend making the Simply Syrup first so that it will be nice and cool to make your smash. Simple Syrup is hilariously easy- just boil equal parts water and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour into an airtight container and cool. It will last about a week. For this recipe, I used 1/2 c sugar and water, because I always end up with WAY too much Simp. Syr.
Now that's done, throw the leaves of a sprig of thyme, and about 6 berries into a cocktail shaker and muddle it wih a wooden muddler. Or any mashing device you may have. Now add ice, gin, lime juice and simple syrup. Shake this in the shaker until it's ICEY COLD. Don't wimp out on the shakin', make sure its really shook up good. Now strain over ice and garnish with a berry skewered on a thyme sprig.
I will warn you: there is a delicate balance of flavors in this drink. You want to taste the thyme, offset the tartness of winter raspberries with simple syrup, and make sure the acid of the lime is helping not hurting the drink. Also, while totally worth it, Hendricks is godawfulexpensive. You won't care too much after you've had a couple though. Just make sure you switch to the cheaper stuff when the delicate flavor profiles become lost on you... it's just common sense.
Salud!
