World Gin Day

World Gin Day is June 13 and I've partnered with Still Austin Gin to share one of my favorite summer cocktails - Bees Knees. Located in Austin, this local distillery is making a Texas Rye Gin that's perfect for sipping or mixing. Texas grains are milled, fermented and then steeped with over 10 botanicals including juniper berries, coriander, cinnamon, elderflower, citrus peels, tarragon and allspice berries.

A Bees Knees is the perfect summer drink.

A Bees Knees cocktail is super simple with only three ingredients - gin, honey and lemon juice. For this cocktail I used 1.5 oz Still Austin Gin, 1 oz lemon juice and .5 oz honey syrup. (Note: depending on the tartness of the lemon juice more honey syrup may be added.) Place ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled coup glass or a rocks glass with a square ice cube. Garnish with a sprig of lemon thyme and a dehydrated lemon slice.

Dehydrated lemon slices make a beautiful garnish.

Still Austin Gin is available at Spec's, Total Wine and Twin Liquors. Or if you're in the Austin area,  stop by the distillery for a tasting and tour.