Summer Sodas! Grapefruit, Thyme & Gin

Damn. There’s only been a few warm days here in Oregon and it already feels like it’s going to be the best summer ever. Summer is when this little cocktail light of mine shines its brightest.

A few days ago, my friend Andrew texted and asked if I’d be up for a little river adventure. OH HELL YES I AM! In a few minutes I whipped up a few bottled cocktails. Perfect for a lazy day on the river beach.

The bottles and equipment are a small initial investment, but once you have them? It’s easy to make bottled beverages at home.

Bottled cocktails have been popular at fancy cocktail bars all over the country and I’ve been watching Jeffrey Morgenthaler make bottled cocktails since last year. I’ve been developing recipes all winter using his carbonation/bottling technique. You know what? It’s so easy.

But here’s the thing. The Twist N’ Sparkle that he and I use(d) has been recalled. Because sometimes it explodes, apparently. Major sad face, you guys. So. Let’s just use fresh club soda instead and hope a new version of the Twist N’ Sparkle comes out very soon.

To make your own sodas at home you’re going to need the following equipment:

187 ml Clear Champagne Bottles
Bottle Capper
Bottle Caps
A small funnel fitted with a small tube

You can like find these supplies at your local home brew store, or online by following the links!

If you’re not persuaded, look how much fun we had!

Oh yeah. So hot. My friends are sizzlin’! Left to right — Marco, Myself, Adam and Andrew.

This is the first recipe of several (the light green one in the beach pictures is coming soon). Get busy; summer is soon!

Grapefruit Thyme Bottled Cocktail
(makes 4 bottles)

3/4 c. gin
3/4 c. fresh grapefruit juice
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
1/4 c. thyme syrup
1 c. club soda*

Combine all ingredients besides club soda and distribute evenly in 4 small Champagne Bottles. Use a funnel fitted with a small tube that extends to the bottom of the bottles. This will help maintain maximum carbonation. Using the Bottle Capper, seal each bottle with a Bottle Cap. Chill and serve.**

* If the Twist N’ Sparkle weren’t recalled, I’d use water here, combine all the ingredients and carbonate them together then bottle.

**For maximum fizziness, serve as soon as possible.

You know what’s great about these sodas? They’re sealed, so they’re portable. And the bottles are reusable! You know what else is great? They’re delicious.

If you want a more in-depth description on bottling cocktails (along with another recipe), check out Jeffrey’s post.