Ginnie The Pooh

For the Honey Thyme Simple Syrup

• 0.5 c local honey
• 0.5 c water
• 8-10 sprigs of fresh thyme

For the Cocktail

• 4-6 fresh, juicy blackberries
• 2 oz gin
• 0.25 - 0.5 oz honey thyme simple syrup
• Dash of walnut (or other) bitters
• 1-2 oz low-sugar ginger beer
• Woodsy garnishes of choice

1. To make the simple syrup, combine the honey, water, and fresh thyme in a small saucepan. Bring it to a low boil, then continue to boil until the syrup has developed a pale green color and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
2. Pour the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the thyme leaves, then cool completely.
3. To make the cocktail, add the blackberries to a cocktail stirring glass and muddle them so they release their colorful juice.
4. Add the gin, honey thyme simple syrup, and bitters, then stir well with ice.
5. Fill a serving glass with large ice cubes, then strain in the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve to remove the blackberry seeds. Top it off with ginger beer.
6. Garnish abundantly with woodsy herbs, berries, and/or edible flowers.
7. Store any leftover simple syrup in a jar in the fridge for up to several weeks.