Gin with House-Made Bitter Lemon and Soda

Makes 1 cocktail

1 1/2 oz        gin
1 oz               Bitter Lemon Elixir (recipe follows)
2 oz               Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water chilled
Garnish:       Lemon wheel and optional fresh tarragon or rosemary

Measure the gin and Bitter Lemon Elixir into a mixing glass. Fill with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
Add soda and stir. Garnish.

Bitter Lemon Elixir

Makes 2 1/2 cups

4                        Sunkist lemons
1 1/2 cups        sugar
2 cups               water

Wash lemons and cut the ends off. Then slice each lemon in half lengthwise and each half into 4 slices. Combine lemons, sugar and water in a blender cup. Process on high until almost smooth – mixture should still have some texture. Place mixture in a medium non-corrosive pan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Let boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour. Strain through a fine strainer. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe and Photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® – www.LiquidKitchen.com