The Homecoming

Jessica Hughes

Servings

4

The Homecoming is our signature Earl Grey gin fizz — a floral, citrus-forward cocktail built on bergamot tea, gin, and our Calicutts Vanilla Bean Sugar simple syrup. If you’ve been searching for an easy batch cocktail recipe for a dinner party, bridal shower, or warm-weather gathering, this is the one to bookmark. Strong-brewed Earl Grey gives it a grown-up, tea-steeped depth; fresh lemon keeps it bright; and a splash of soda water makes it endlessly drinkable. It comes together in minutes, scales up beautifully for a crowd, and finishes with a lemon twist and a single sprig of dried lavender for a pour that looks as considered as it tastes. Make the vanilla bean simple syrup once and you’ll reach for it all season long.

Ingredients

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    • ½ C Calicutts Vanilla Bean Sugar

    • ½ C Water

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    • ¾ C Floral gin (such as Hendrick’s)

    • ½ C Strong-brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled

    • 3 Tbsp Vanilla bean simple syrup (recipe above)

    • 3 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice

    • Club soda, to top

    • Lemon twists and dried culinary lavender sprigs, for garnish

    Directions

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      1. Combine the Vanilla Bean Sugar and water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar fully dissolves — do not boil. Cool completely, then store sealed in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes more than you need for one batch; the extra keeps for your next round.

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      1. Brew the Earl Grey strong — use double the tea you normally would — and let it cool completely.

      2. In a pitcher, combine the cooled tea, gin, Vanilla bean simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir well. (You can do this ahead and refrigerate, covered, for several hours.)

      3. To serve, pour about 4 ounces over ice in a coupe or rocks glass. Top with a splash of soda water.

      4. Garnish each glass with a lemon twist and a single sprig of dried lavender.