Cocktail recipe: Lemon thyme smash

You thought summer was almost over, but if September’s weather is any indication, it’s just getting started. Cool down with a sweet-and-sour libation like a lemon thyme smash, created by mixologists Caleb King and Tiffany Bell for Hollywood’s Mediterranean hot spot Cleo. The smooth botanical complexity of gin lends itself nicely to this concoction, which gets its kick from fresh-squeezed lemon juice and its balance from house-made thyme syrup. A touch of soda water adds effervescence and refreshment.

Cleo, 1717 Vine St., Los Angeles, (323) 962-1711

jessica.gelt@latimes.com

Lemon thyme smash

3 minutes. Serves 1

3 lemon wedges

Pinch fresh thyme

1 1/2 ounces gin, preferably Bombay Sapphire

1 ounce thyme syrup

1 ounce soda water

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon wedges with the thyme. Add the gin, thyme syrup and soda water with ice. Shake and serve on the rocks.

EACH SERVING

Calories 149

Protein 0

Carbohydrates 14 grams

Fiber 0

Fat 0

Cholesterol 0

Sugar 13 grams

Sodium 1 mg

NOTE: Adapted from Caleb King and Tiffany Bell for Cleo. To make the thyme syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water with fresh thyme (we used several sprigs thyme with 1 cup each sugar and water) and cook until the mixture comes to a boil, then remove from heat and set aside overnight to infuse; strain and discard the thyme before using.