Simi, Sonoma Recipe

Make honey syrup

Combine equal parts honey and hot water (for this recipe 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup hot water works). Stir until fully combined and cool. Measure 0.5 oz for the cocktail.

Chill a large wine glass or goblet by filling with ice and water while you build the drink. If preferred, remove ice before serving and pour into an empty chilled glass.

Shake aromatic components

In a cocktail shaker, add 1 oz gin, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz honey syrup, 0.25 oz orange liqueur, and 2 dashes orange bitters. Add a generous handful of ice (about 3/4 cup) to the shaker, cap, and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Combine with wine

Discard the ice and water from the chilled wine glass (if you chilled it). Fill the glass with fresh ice (about 1 cup). Strain the shaken mixture over the fresh ice. Immediately top with 6 oz chilled Simi Sonoma Chardonnay. Stir gently with a bar spoon 6–8 times to integrate the wine and cocktail mix without flattening the wine's aromatics.

Express the oils of a lemon wheel over the drink by holding the wheel over the glass and giving it a quick squeeze and twist so droplets fall onto the surface. Float the lemon wheel on the rim or inside the glass. Slap the thyme sprig once between your palms to release aromatics and rest it on top of the drink as an optional garnish.

Serve immediately while cold. Advise the drinker to sip and note balance of bright citrus, honeyed sweetness and the crisp Chardonnay.