The Homecoming is our signature Earl Grey gin fizz — a floral, citrus-forward cocktail built on bergamot tea, gin, and our Calicutts Vanilla Bean Sugar simple syrup. If you’ve been searching for an easy batch cocktail recipe for a dinner party, bridal shower, or warm-weather gathering, this is the one to bookmark. Strong-brewed Earl Grey gives it a grown-up, tea-steeped depth; fresh lemon keeps it bright; and a splash of soda water makes it endlessly drinkable. It comes together in minutes, scales up beautifully for a crowd, and finishes with a lemon twist and a single sprig of dried lavender for a pour that looks as considered as it tastes. Make the vanilla bean simple syrup once and you’ll reach for it all season long.
Combine the Vanilla Bean Sugar and water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar fully dissolves — do not boil. Cool completely, then store sealed in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes more than you need for one batch; the extra keeps for your next round.
For the Cocktail
Brew the Earl Grey strong — use double the tea you normally would — and let it cool completely.
In a pitcher, combine the cooled tea, gin, Vanilla bean simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir well. (You can do this ahead and refrigerate, covered, for several hours.)
To serve, pour about 4 ounces over ice in a coupe or rocks glass. Top with a splash of soda water.
Garnish each glass with a lemon twist and a single sprig of dried lavender.
The Homecoming
Jessica Hughes
Author:
Jessica Hughes
Servings
4
The Homecoming is our signature Earl Grey gin fizz — a floral, citrus-forward cocktail built on bergamot tea, gin, and our Calicutts Vanilla Bean Sugar simple syrup. If you’ve been searching for an easy batch cocktail recipe for a dinner party, bridal shower, or warm-weather gathering, this is the one to bookmark. Strong-brewed Earl Grey gives it a grown-up, tea-steeped depth; fresh lemon keeps it bright; and a splash of soda water makes it endlessly drinkable. It comes together in minutes, scales up beautifully for a crowd, and finishes with a lemon twist and a single sprig of dried lavender for a pour that looks as considered as it tastes. Make the vanilla bean simple syrup once and you’ll reach for it all season long.
Ingredients
Vanilla Bean Sugar Simple Syrup
½ C Calicutts Vanilla Bean Sugar
½ C Water
For the Cocktail
¾ C Floral gin (such as Hendrick’s)
½ C Strong-brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
3 Tbsp Vanilla bean simple syrup (recipe above)
3 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
Club soda, to top
Lemon twists and dried culinary lavender sprigs, for garnish
Directions
For the Simple Syrup
Combine the Vanilla Bean Sugar and water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar fully dissolves — do not boil. Cool completely, then store sealed in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes more than you need for one batch; the extra keeps for your next round.
For the Cocktail
Brew the Earl Grey strong — use double the tea you normally would — and let it cool completely.
In a pitcher, combine the cooled tea, gin, Vanilla bean simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir well. (You can do this ahead and refrigerate, covered, for several hours.)
To serve, pour about 4 ounces over ice in a coupe or rocks glass. Top with a splash of soda water.
Garnish each glass with a lemon twist and a single sprig of dried lavender.
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