Light and Refreshing Honey Orange Gin Cocktail

If you’re not a fan of gin - or don't have any on hand - substitute vodka for the gin. I’ve tested this recipe with both, and while I prefer gin, both are delicious. 

Buy an orange and lime for this recipe. With 6 ingredients - 2 being juice - squeezing fresh juice from the fruit is important for the flavor of the drink. You will likely get the juice you need from half of the orange and a quarter of the lime. Before you cut into them, roll your orange and lime on the counter while applying pressure with your palm to get the most juice possible from the fruit. 

I love the flavor in New Holland’s Knickerbocker Gin. If you can’t find New Holland, Bombay Gin would be a delicious substitute. If you’re new to gin, try Aviation Gin or Beefeater Gin. Both have mild profiles without strong juniper (“pine tree”) notes.

The honey syrup should be cold when you use it, so make it earlier in the day - or a day in advance - so it has time to chill completely in the refrigerator. I often make my syrups in the morning in order to have them ready for happy hour. For details on how to make honey syrup, including instructions for cooling it quickly, see my DIY Cocktail Syrups page. 

Double straining - straining your drink from the shaker, through a fine mesh sieve, and into your glass - keeps out any small mint or ice pieces that would otherwise get into your glass. If you don’t mind these small pieces being in your drink, feel free to skip this step and strain your drink from the cocktail shaker directly into your glass.