Heated Mint Gin Smash

Embrace the change in seasons with a springtime garden-centric cocktail. Here, find all the fresh, vibrant taste of an icy Gin Smash but warmed with the flavours of mint and lavender extracted via a hot-water infusion instead of being muddled in the glass. If you prefer fruity over floral, substitute fresh strawberries for the lavender.

1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar

2 fresh mint sprigs

1 fresh or dried lavender sprig or 3 strawberries, sliced in half

1½ to 2 oz gin

1 Put the kettle on to boil. Place sugar, mint and lavender in warmed, large heatproof glass, mug or a small tea pot. Pour 2 cups (500 mL) hot water over mint. Steep for 5 minutes. Gently stir in gin.

Makes 1 cocktail