Happy 4th of July weekend! It is only appropriate that I share my absolute favorite cocktail for the occasion. It is super simple, made with only three ingredients, which is why I love it. Fresh squeezed lemon juice, honey simple syrup, and gin…that’s it. One thing that I have discovered about myself is that I love most things that involve fresh squeezed lemon juice, especially cocktails and dessert. I had my first Bees Knee’s at Tarry Lodge, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in New Haven, Ct and it has been my go-to ever since. It has been the case that a lot of restaurants have never heard of it when I have ordered it or they don’t get it quite right when they try to make it, so I decided to learn how to make it myself and it comes out perfect every time!

Today at the Farmer’s Market I discovered that we had a distillery nearby called Sourland Mountain Distillery and bought their gin. I was excited to try it and it did not disappoint.

Recipe

• 2 ounces gin (1 if you prefer a lighter cocktail)
• 2 ounces honey simple syrup (Heat 1/2 c of honey, 1/2 c sugar, 1c water, mint sprigs)
• Fresh squeezed juice from 1 lemon
• Shake over ice until chilled, strain, and enjoy!

*I don’t serve over ice but totally acceptable to do so.

Side note: Simple syrup is so easy to make, I stopped purchasing it a while ago once I found out it is just 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water heated until the sugar dissolves. I use what I need and refrigerate the rest. If I have it on hand, I also add fresh mint. Be sure to let it cool before using.