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Fennel Cocktail

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This cocktail is perfectly balanced. It is sweet, tart, and slightly bitter with the lovely licorice aroma of fennel. This drink has stunned everyone I have ever made it for, even people who didn’t think they liked fennel.

Fennel cocktail

About this Recipe

Shortly after the pandemic, we moved from an apartment to a house and, among many other things, grew fennel and arugula. Soon after, I came across this fantastic cocktail recipe from Maggie Hoffman for a “Gin Rocket Cocktail.” It was made from ingredients I gathered from my garden.

When social gatherings became acceptable again, I shared this drink with almost anyone who came over, trying out new variations each time. One time, to replace the arugula, I needed something bitter, and kasoori methi came to mind, which gives it a more Indian profile. 

Fennel gin cocktail

Ingredients

Fennel – the main ingredient. 60% of the world’s fennel is grown in India, but most often, we enjoy it as a spice from the fruit (the seeds). Here we use any combination of bulbs, fronds, or leaves.

Lemon – gives it a tart balance. Use lime if that’s what you have.

Gin – provides an herbal base.

Simple Syrup – simple syrup is easily made by melting 1 part sugar in 1 part water and allowing it to cool before use.

Kasoori Methi – dried fenugreek leaves, gives a slight bitter balance and aromatic finish.

Fennel cocktail, garnished with nasturtium.

Variations

  • Herbal simple syrup. I have made this with rosemary simple syrup, sage simple syrup, and black pepper simple syrup. All were great.
  • In place of kasoori methi, you can use the original recipe’s arugula version. I have also used other bitter ingredients such as endive, passion flower, or dandelion leaves. 
  • Try it with vodka or rum if you dislike gin.
Fennel gin cocktail

Fennel Cocktail

Puja Thomas-Patel
This cocktail is perfectly balanced. It is sweet, tart, and slightly bitter with the lovely licorice aroma of fennel.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Indian
Servings 1
Calories 204 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • cup chopped fennel stems, fronds, or bulb
  • tsp Kasoori methi
  • ¾ oz simple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Roughly chop the fennel and add it to a shake along with the Kasoori methi. Muddle until all of the fennel pieces are nicely smashed.
  • Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin. Fill with ice. Shake for 30-45 seconds.
  • Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a coupe or cocktail glass of choice.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 28mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 41IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
Keyword fennel cocktail
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