Lightened up Winter Cocktails: Gin Cup

I cannot even explain to you how much I love seltzer. It's an everyday luxury I cannot quit. I love the bubbles and I've gotta be honest: it makes me stay more hydrated than flat water. So today's post is going to show you just one of many ways you can use seltzer water to lighten up your cocktails. Specifically with gin and all the herbs. 

Also, today was also an experiment in playing with 'winter light'. Typically I try to fight it, but I love how harsh and moody it looks in these glasses. 

I'm pretty picky about seltzer water and when it comes to packaged seltzer, Vintage is my absolute favorite. I'm dead serious. Just watch this monthly Favorites video I put on YouTube in February. When my Costco stopped carrying it I went to every grocery in the town trying to find when I could get it in large quantities (see the product locator for a much easier time). It has just the right amount of carbonation for me and if I decide I wanted a flavored version, I know they're not over the top flavored since they only contain carbonated water and natural flavors (an essence/extract or oil from the actual fruit). I've basically tried them all (Mandarin orange is surprisingly good), but you can't go wrong keeping the original around for the holidays. While I like to keep the large bottles in my fridge for the husband and I to finish in a day, it's kind of nice to stock the bar with smaller 12 pack cans so nothing goes flat. And if you've never shopped for this before, head to the packaged beverage products, usually near the waters. 

The bottom line with seltzer is it's the perfect mixer because it's calorie free but still has the bubbles. 

Lightened up Gin Cup Cocktail

makes 2

/// Ingredients /// (per cup)

• 1 shot of gin
• 1 T ginger simple syrup (learn how to make simple syrup here)
• 1 slice of lemon
• 1 branch of thyme
• 1 English cucumber spear
• Vintage seltzer, original to fill the glass
• 4 thin slices of fresh ginger 

/// Directions /// Make simple syrup and add a few slices of raw ginger. Set aside to cool. In each glass add thyme, lemon and cucumber spear. Pour in gin, ginger syrup and seltzer. Stir to combine. 

To keep your kitchen stocked, print off this digital coupon for $1 the 12 pack of Vintage Seltzer (find your closest store here).  You can also follow Vintage Seltzer on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram! Users who tag @DrinkVintage on Instagram will receive a $1 off coupon!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.