Lemon + Fennel Gin Spritz
As summer is quickly ending and the cool breezes of fall begin to blow, we begin to see the seasonal change in our gardens and at the grocery. As we still have a good few weeks of warm weather at bay, I have created the perfect exchange of season spritzer that will cool you on a hot September day and help bring in the fall. I had the inspiration for this cocktail, durning my stay in Florida. My sister's garden was just booming of Fennel. It had grown almost as tall as I and was in full bloom. I have always loved the intricate flowers the fennel plant creates and the stringy leaves of the bush always draws me over for a quick admiring.
Now fennel is not for everyone. If you are a lover of licorice, then you hit the jackpot on this one. The natural flavor of fennel is quite strong and can be overbearing if used improperly, but I can say with confidence that this cocktail is not that. It is simple, sweet and refreshing with a kick of fennel flair. I just love infusing spirits, syrups and oils, not only are they one of a kinda, but they are quite beautiful in the process.
This infusion has been one of my favorites, as fennel reminds me of the holiday season and I love working with every part of the fennel plant. For this recipe I use my favorite Hendricks Gin and also picked up some Bolyan Lemon Seltzer at my local Fresh Market. However you can also use your favorites, or whatever you find easily at your local shop.
Lemon Simple Syrup
Simple syrup will always be equal parts water to sugar. We begin by making the base simple syrup.
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
for this recipe you will also need :
1 lemon
Using a medium sized pot, bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer on low until the mixture thickens. While the syrup is simmering, remove the skin of 1 lemon. You can use a sharp knife or peeler, but try not to take too much of the white “pith” with it. Cut the skin into thin strips and cut off any extra pith. Cutting the skin into strips helps release the flavor in the syrup.
Add the lemon cuttings to the syrup 15 mins into simmering, after the syrup beings to reduce.
Simple syrup can take up to 30-40 mins to fully reduce, but it is up to you how think you would like the consistency to be. Once you are happy, take it off the heat and let cool. Place in a jar or bottle and keep in your refrigerator. It should keep up to 2 weeks.
Lemon + Fennel Gin Spritzer
1 part fennel infused gin
1 part lemon syrup
Top with Boylan Lemon Seltzer ( or similar )
Garnish with fresh fennel + candied lemon
How to Infuse Gin:
Begin by pouring spirits into a wide mouthed jar. Add fennel cuttings, using leaves, flowers and a bit of fennel root. Any or all will do. The more you add the more floral the taste. Let sit for at least 2 days, tasting occasionally. The longer it sits more flavor will develop. You can add more cuttings, if after 3 days the flavor profile isn’t there.
