ClemenGold^® Gin™ and Thyme Aperitif

Method:

1. For the Thyme Simple Syrup, in a small sauce pot, bring the sugar and water to a boil and swirl the pot a few times until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and set aside before adding the thyme to the sugar mixture and cover with a lid.
3. Steep for 10 minutes before straining to remove thyme and store in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or if using it immediately, cool down the syrup by placing into a freezer appropriate container for 5-10 minutes.
4. For the Cocktail, juice and strain the ClemenGold^® mandarins through a fine mesh strainer or juicer.
5. In a cocktail shaker, add a handful ice, ClemenGold^® juice, ClemenGold Gin™ and 7ml of simple syrup.
6. Shake vigorously 4-5 times.
7. Fill a low-ball glass with ice and pour the gin mixture over ice in the lowball glass.
8. Top with soda water and garnish with the ClemenGold^® mandarin slice and thyme sprigs. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more simple syrup if desired.