Meadowsweet & Lemon Thyme Gimlet

Inspired By:

Classic Cocktail

Complexity

Alcohol Level

3/5

Light

Type

Daiquiri & Gimlet

Preparation

Stirred

Glass

Nick & Nora

Ice

Large Cube

INGREDIENTS

SONKLIN • 45 ml / 1.5 oz

Meadowsweet & Lemon Thyme Cordial • 20 ml / 0.75 oz

Lemon peel • 1 (for express)

Optional:

Fresh meadowsweet flower • 1 (garnish)

Meadowsweet & Lemon Thyme Cordial:

Dried meadowsweet • 2 tsp

Hot filtered water • 2 cups

White sugar • 3/4 cup

Malic acid powder • 1 heaping tsp

Citric acid powder • 1/4 tsp

Fresh lemon thyme • 1 small handful

STEPS

1. For Meadowsweet & Lemon Thyme Cordial: Combine dried meadowsweet and hot filtered water in a tempered vessel and brew a strong tisane (approximately 10-15 minutes). Strain the tisane into a pot, add sugar and both acid powders, and stir to dissolve over low heat. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Add fresh lemon thyme (roughly chop) and steep for 20 minutes, then fine-strain through cheesecloth. Bottle and refrigerate; keeps for 2 weeks.

2. Combine SONKLIN and cordial in a mixing glass with ice

3. Stir until properly chilled (30+ seconds)

4. Pour into a chilled Nick & Nora glass

5. Express lemon peel over drink and discard

6. Optionally, garnish with a fresh meadowsweet flower

NOTES:

This stirred Gimlet riff showcases The Botanist gin's refined flavor, but SONKLIN's rice spirit works equally well - both are delicate spirits that need elegant modification. The meadowsweet brings sweet hay and vanilla notes (from the compound coumarin), while lemon thyme adds brightness. The acids (malic and citric) provide pop without citrus juice.

Batched Version: Prepare cordial days or weeks in advance. Add cordial to SONKLIN and stir with ice to order.

HISTORY

The Gimlet is a classic sour-adjacent template traditionally made with gin and lime cordial. This version represents modern bartenders' return to classical elegance with herbal infusions replacing citrus. Meadowsweet is a traditional English botanical long used in aperitifs.

SOKLIN's agricultural rice character pairs naturally with meadowsweet's hay-like sweetness and lemon thyme's brightness - creating a drink that could convert the most dedicated Martini drinker.