Although summer is officially over, the sun - even though it carries the promise of a new season - is still shining. But the weekend is truly over soon, so why not say good-bye to it with a cocktail that suits to this weather?
This beverage was named "Indian Summer" because it is as sweet, sticky, and special as summer in September. The base is a fig "syrup" (which is not really a syrup) while the gin in it provides the good spirits.
The main flavor comes from the fig, which I personally don’t usually like, but I absolutely love it in this drink. It has loads of sweeteners in it (sugar, honey, and even syrup! Oh my word!), but you can play with these depending on what degree of sweetness is sweet enough for you. The same goes to the gin, feel free to adjust its amount according to your preferences. Instead of the ginger syrup, you can use freshly grated ginger, but then maybe double the amount of honey in the recipe.
Since it is a cocktail, you’ll need a shaker. I bought mine years ago and it was really cheap, so it’s nothing special, but does the job when I use it once a year. If you don’t have one of these, maybe try using a mason jar (with lids on!).
What you’ll need for the fig syrup:
- 3 large figs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger syrup
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
What you’ll need for the cocktail:
- 1 and a half tablespoons of the “syrup”
- 50 ml gin (about 1.7 oz)
- 100 ml soda water (about 3.4 oz)
How:
- Spoon the syrup into the shaker.
- Add lemon, gin, and soda water, then a lot of ice cubes, at least a handful.
- Lid on, and shake, shake, shake, until your hands start to freeze!
- Pour and enjoy! If you don’t use a shaker, pour it over a tea-strainer, so the ice stays out.
This amount is enough for two pretty big drinks or four moderate ones. I might have chosen the first option but only because it was a very hot day…
If you try to make this cocktail, I would be really happy to hear about your experience! Let’s brace ourselves for Monday!
