It’s no secret we’re partial to the original flavored Vodka – a.k.a. Gin – here at Distillerista, so it should also come as no surprise that it’s one of my favorite spirits to create drink recipes with. When strolling through the Farmer’s Market a few months ago, deciding what to bring to a friend’s house for the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight that night (side note: I know I need to get over it, but what a waste of a perfectly good Saturday night), I picked up some citrus, trusted my old faithful spirit and came up with the idea for this delicious, honey-spiked juicy Gin punch. It has since become a summer entertaining favorite (even the guys loved it!) and I can’t help but think how perfect it’d be to sip poolside at flash Vegas day party. I’m betting (pun fully intended) Floyd and Manny wouldn’t have minded a cool glass of this post-fight. However Mayweather apparently only likes honey in tea, sooooo maybe not.

{ Target drink dispenser with spigot | Similar here }

Makes roughly 10-12 cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 4 Cups citrusy Western-style Gin (I like Tanqueray No. 10 or a Homemade Infused Gin)
• 4 Cups fresh grapefruit juice
• 2 Cups fresh lemonade
• 1-2 Cups honey simple syrup (recipe to follow), depending on desired sweetness
• 1 bottle sparkling water
• Several lemon, lime and/or grapefruit wheels for garnish (1 of each should do it)

Directions:

1. Make the honey simple syrup: combine 2 cups each, water and raw local honey, in a sauce pan over medium heat and simmer until sugar is fully dissolved. Let cool completely.
2. In a large drink dispenser or punch bowl carefully combine Gin, grapefruit juice and honey syrup. Stir gently and store in fridge if making ahead.
3. Slice citrus into wheels and store in fridge if making ahead
4. 10 minutes before guests arrive – or when you get to the party – add lots of ice, the sparkling water and float citrus wheels on top.
5. Pour over fresh ice. Enjoy!

{ Crate & Barrel Bar Tool Set }

Extras:

• Freeze citrus wheels with water or juice in a muffin pan for pretty – and effective! – ice cubes
• Sub fresh orange juice and sparkling wine for the grapefruit and sparkling water and you’ve got a brunch-perfect riff on a classic Mimosa!
• Steep 1 tbsp of culinary lavender in the simple syrup for 10 minutes for a fun floral twist.

Thank you, once again, to Megan of Shortography for the shoot location and photos! How throwback-chic is her new kitchen?!

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