Well it is officially summer, and this week we have been feeling the heat – literally! Our AC has been out, which has made for some very toasty days around the house. While we sweat it out and wait for the repairman, we decided to try out one of our favorite new summer cocktails. These Lemon Thyme Bourbon tonics are the perfect Friday go-to refreshment, and the recipe hails from one of our absolute favorite publications – Garden and Gun!

The ingredient list is fairly simple and are likely things you already have stocked on your bar cart. You can use any bourbon of your choosing – we’re just partial to Bulleit! All recipe details provided by Garden and Gun!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 oz. bourbon

• 3/4 oz. Amontillado sherry

• 3/4 oz. Thyme & Honey Syrup

• 1/4 oz. lemon juice

• 1 dash bitters

• 1 large piece fresh thyme (with at least 5 branches)

• 1 cup hot water (near simmering temperature)

• 1 cup honey

• Garnish – lemon wedges/thyme sprigs

For the Lemon Thyme Syrup

In a small bowl, combine the thyme and hot water and let stand for 15 minutes. Next, stir in the honey until it dissolves completely. Let stand 5 minutes, then remove the sprigs of thyme. The remaining mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.

With the syrup prepared, add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and lemon wedge.

That’s it! Now sip and enjoy!

Before moving back to Atlanta in 2016, we resided in a smaller Georgia town known for golf and southern hospitality. We called Augusta home for 4 years and during that time found an incredible group of creatives through The Rising Tide Society’s monthly meetups. Fondly called Tuesdays Together, we met the second Tuesday of every month to discuss everything from business, to social media, taxes and the ever alluding work-life-balance. A few months before we said goodbye, we were lucky enough to participate in a styled shoot that brought together some incredible Augusta vendors for a backyard brunch.

Creative Director & Food/Prop Stylist for food flat lays & garland table: Ashley Irene Styling | Planner & Design Direction for blueberry picnic basket, lemonade stand & potluck table: Meghan C Bishop Weddings | Day-of Coordinator: Laurel Avenue | Photography: Lauren Carnes Photography alongside Jon-Michael Sullivan Photography & Samantha Renee Photography | Videography: Brightworx Media | Floral Design: Waiting on Wildflowers | Makeup & Hair: Cucumber & Mint, Lyndi Arrington, Setareh Beauty & Rachel Biestman of Acuity Photography | Catering: Creative Cuisine LLC | Handlettering & Design of table runner, lemonade sign & brunch sign: Kristen Smith Design | Wooden & Canvas Signs: The Art Studio Collective | Invitations: Design Persuasion | Props: Gryphon’s Acquisitions | Table Rental: Cote Designs Weddings & Events