Fun fact: I do not like black licorice. However I love fennel.
Weird, right?
Using fennel in cocktails is my favorite way to enjoy fennel, even when it’s not in season. The fennel syrup that both flavors and sweetens this cocktail is so addictive. I will simply add it to club soda and enjoy a handcrafted refreshing soda any afternoon.
I have been realllly into infused simple syrups lately. From basil to fennel, cardamom to mint, infused simple syrups are the perfect ingredients to hoard in your bar refrigerator. They keep for a month at a time (sometimes longer) and can bring innovation to any cocktail you can think of.
I can hardly wait until the winter melts into summer – you know I’ll be sipping infused cocktails every evening on our back porch as I watch our pup continues to try to capture the squirrels that taunt her on our fence.
For a little summer in the middle of a cold winter, cozy up with this cocktail a dream of those sunny warm days that are on their way!
Fennel Lemon Mint Vodka Fizz
ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 Tbsp fennel seeds
- 1 oz fennel syrup
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 7 mint leaves
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Soda water
- Ice
instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the sugar, water and fennel seeds for the fennel syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and steep for 30 minutes. Strain into an airtight container. Fennel syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
- In the bottom of a shaker, muddle mint leaves. Add fennel syrup, vodka, and lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Pour over ice into a highball glass. Top with soda water.
I personally love licorice, so this is the drink for me! What a terrific idea!