Jubilee Close: a cherry gin cocktail

Earlier in the year Simon and I saw Jubilee on its closing night. It was a terrific night out, and we closed it with a cocktail at home on the deck. Cherries Jubilee is a classic dessert, so I wanted cherries in my commemorative cocktail. Apart from that, I just used what was in the house ...

Jubilee Close

• 2 T honey - I used this Colorado honey, with a moderately strong flavour and a floral aroma
• 4 oz Dà Mhìle* Farmhouse gin 
• 1 T sour cherry noyau
• 2 T moonshine from the cherries
• Icecubes
• 6 moonshine cherries

To garnish: twist of lime, or lemon verbena sprigs

Warm the honey; stir in the noyau, moonshine, and gin. Put a few ice cubes into cocktail glasses. Strain into glasses. Garnish with cherries and lime twist.

Sour cherry noyau

Fresh sour cherries, unpitted
Vodka to cover
Pack sour cherries into a glass jar and cover with vodka. Keep as thoroughly airtight as possible. Use sparingly after 6 months, when the almond flavour of the cherry pits will have come out into the liquid.  

*Dà Mhìle also make a stunning seaweed gin. I have an idea for a strange salty oystery limey cocktail. Just waiting until oysters are back in season!