Apricot Honey Gin Sour

The Apricot Honey Gin Sour is fruity, smooth, and lightly tart with a little sparkle to finish. Gin brings a botanical edge, while apricot jam adds rich fruit flavor without needing extra sugar. Honey syrup gives it a soft sweetness that pairs nicely with the lemon and orange juice. It’s shaken and topped with soda to keep it fresh and light. Finished with an apricot slice and sprig of thyme, it’s a well-rounded drink that’s just as good for a late brunch as it is for winding down in the evening.

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Tasting Notes

This Apricot Honey Gin Sour is sweet, tangy, and slightly herbal. The apricot jam brings a soft fruitiness that pairs nicely with the bite of lemon juice. Honey syrup adds depth and smooths out the sharper edges. The gin gives it a clean, botanical base, while the orange adds a mild citrus lift. Topped with soda, it’s light and refreshing. The thyme garnish adds a subtle, earthy note you’ll catch in the aroma. Every sip starts bright and ends smooth, with a hint of stone fruit and herbs lingering on the finish.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a cocktail shaker, fine strainer, jigger, and citrus press. Because jam is involved, shaking with ice is key for proper blending. A fine mesh strainer helps catch any pulp or seeds from the jam. A chilled coupe or small rocks glass works best for this cocktail. If you want to serve it long-style, a highball glass with extra soda will do. Keep your tools clean sticky ingredients like honey and jam can build up fast and affect taste and texture.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz gin
• 1 oz apricot jam
• 0.5 oz honey syrup
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• Soda water, to top
• Apricot slice and thyme sprig, for garnish

Instructions

• Add gin, apricot jam, honey syrup, lemon juice, and orange juice to a shaker with ice.
• Shake well for about 15 seconds to fully mix and chill.
• Fine strain into a glass filled with fresh ice to remove any fruit pulp.
• Top with soda water and stir gently.
• Garnish with an apricot slice and a sprig of thyme.

Pro Tips

• Use a jam without large chunks to make straining easier.
• Always fine strain jam and pulp can clog the drink.
• Use fresh lemon and orange juice for better balance.
• Shake longer than usual to fully break down the jam.
• Chill your glass for a smoother finish.
• Add soda last, and don’t shake it.
• Thyme works best if lightly slapped before garnishing.
• Adjust honey syrup if your jam is already sweet.

When to Serve

This Apricot Honey Gin Sour is a great pick for spring and summer afternoons, but it also works in the cooler months thanks to the richness of the jam and honey. Serve it at brunch, garden parties, or casual evenings with friends. It’s light enough for daytime but has enough character to stand on its own. It can be dressed up for a dinner party or served as a refreshing pick for someone who prefers citrus-forward cocktails.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Gin:

• Bombay Sapphire (clean, botanical)
• Tanqueray (crisp and classic)
• Hendrick’s (a little softer, with floral notes)

Jam:

• Bonne Maman Apricot Preserves
• Smucker’s Natural Apricot

Honey Syrup:

• Homemade is best: 1:1 honey and hot water, stirred until smooth
• Or try Bee Local Honey Water for convenience

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• The Sunflower
• Aperol Negroni Sour
• Sour Cherry Gin Smash
• Plum Collins
• Honey Cucumber Vodka Lemonade