Cocktail of the Week: The Palomar's Bumblebee – A Winter Warmer Recipe
This week's featured cocktail is The Palomar's Bumblebee, a delightful winter warmer designed to infuse your evenings with a touch of sunshine. Based on the classic bees' knees cocktail, this drink combines the spicy kick of ginger with the aromatic sweetness of honey and the crisp notes of London dry gin. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a comforting yet sophisticated beverage during the colder months.
Why This Cocktail Stands Out
The Bumblebee cocktail is celebrated for its vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients. The key to its success lies in the quality and freshness of its components. The honey and ginger syrup provides a warm, spicy base, while the London dry gin adds a clean, botanical depth. Fresh lemon juice is essential for a bright, zesty finish, ensuring the drink remains lively and invigorating.
Important Tip: For the best results, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and prepare the syrup no more than two days in advance. Citrus juices can lose their vibrancy quickly, so avoid storing them overnight or longer to maintain the cocktail's optimal taste.
Bumblebee Cocktail Recipe
Serves 1
For the Honey and Ginger Syrup
- 20g ginger
- About 40ml English honey – ideally sourced locally for a unique flavour
For the Drink
- 10ml honey and ginger syrup (see method below)
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- 40ml London dry gin – Hayman's is recommended
- 1 thick slice of lemon (approximately ½cm thick), for garnish
Method
- Prepare the Syrup: Begin by soaking the ginger in just enough cold water to cover it. This step softens the skin, making it easier to peel. After soaking, drain the water and peel the ginger using a teaspoon. Slice the ginger into thin coins.
- Blend the ginger coins with 20ml of water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, preferably lined with muslin, to extract the ginger liquid. You should yield around 40ml of liquid.
- Measure the ginger liquid and add an equal amount of honey. Stir thoroughly until the honey is fully dissolved, creating a rich and spicy syrup.
- Build the Drink: In a shaker half-filled with ice, combine the honey and ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice, and London dry gin. Shake vigorously to chill and mix the ingredients well.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with the thick lemon slice and serve immediately for the freshest experience.
This recipe is courtesy of Ross Finnegan, bar manager at The Palomar in London W1, who has crafted a cocktail that balances warmth and refreshment perfectly. Enjoy this Bumblebee cocktail as a standout addition to your home bartending repertoire, bringing a bit of London's cocktail scene to your own kitchen.
