Blackberry & Bay Collins

You can't beat a classic, gin-based Tom Collins cocktail. It's simple, refreshing, and hits the spot every time.

I often have one as it comes, with a slice of lemon or a maraschino cherry – but sometimes, its nice to mix things up. Right now, blackberries are filling the hedgerows, and they pair particularly well with bay.

Here, I'm making a simple syrup with some bay leaves. You could always just muddle a few leaves in with the berries instead, which is a quicker method, but one that won't yield such a strong flavour. I would recommend trying the syrup, though, as it's very simple, and well worth the little effort required.

The amount of bay syrup made here is enough to make two or three drinks each, but you could always make a bigger batch and keep some for later – it keeps very well, and is great drizzled on fresh fruit.