Bht "golden" Collins Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill a Collins glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail; discard the water just before serving.

Build and shake

In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz Empress cucumber/lemon gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice (about 4–6 large cubes). Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the mixture is well chilled.

Strain into glass

Fill the chilled Collins glass about three-quarters full with fresh ice (cubed). Double-strain the shaken cocktail into the glass to remove small ice shards and any pulp, leaving room for soda water.

Top with soda

Gently top the cocktail with approximately 3 oz chilled soda water. Stir once or twice with a long bar spoon to integrate the soda without flattening the bubbles or bruising the gin's aromatics.

Garnish

Thread a cucumber ribbon along the inside of the glass or drape it over the rim. Float a lemon wheel on top or clip it to the rim for a bright finish.

Serve

Serve immediately with a straw and a small spoon or swizzle stick. Encourage the drinker to stir lightly before sipping if the soda has separated.