Whenever our travels take us up Route 17 we always make a detour into Roscoe to stock up on vodka and gin at Prohibition Distillery. Housed in an old firehouse and using the bootleggers of prohibition as their inspiration, these craft distillers proudly use New York State corn to produce naturally gluten free spirits. Let’s be clear, these are not your run-of-the-mill spirits; their Bootlegger Vodka imparts a natural, floral sweetness on the nose with a clean, dry finish, while their gin is infused with their proprietary blend of botanicals that feature harmonious blend of citrus and juniper. These two products may be small batch, but are big deals. Case in point: their vodka is hands down our favorite. We’d happily sip them on their own, but they’re even better mixed in a cocktail. They’re open daily from 11 AM – 6PM for you to stop in, take a tour, sip some vodka, gin, or bourbon, and grab a bottle (or 3) to bring the goodness home. Brian, one of the owners, is usually around and more than happy to answer questions and show off his delicious products.
Back in Brooklyn, the weather has us seeking comfort both in physical warmth as well as mental escapes to sunny locales. We’ve reflected both desires in a hot and cold cocktail featuring Prohibition Distillery’s Bootlegger 21 Gin and Vodka. To brighten things a bit, both drinks feature an herbaceous note from some honey-thyme syrup, which is even easier to make than so-called simple syrup.
Our Beekeeper’s Blanket is a slight variation on the classic prohibition gin-based cocktail, the Bee’s Knees. With surprisingly little tinkering this typically refreshing quaff turns into a great warmer for any post-ski/hike/long nap occasion. On the other hand, just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you don’t sometimes want a nice tall glass of something cool and bright. The Florida Daydream features seasonally appropriate citrus flavors along with Bootlegger 21 Vodka to create a refreshing smash/julep-style cocktail.
Thyme Honey Syrup (yields enough for about 8 cocktails)
- 1/4 C honey (we like using wildflower or buckwheat honey for their rich, robust flavors)
- 1/4 C hot water (you can use boiling water, but the hottest setting on your sink will do the trick too)
- 10 sprigs Thyme
Cut the sprigs of thyme in half and throw them in a jar or container with a lid. Use a muddler or large spoon to crush the thyme and release its oils. Pour in the honey and hot water and cover the container. Shake vigorously until the honey is dissolved. Let it come to room temperature then place it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Strain before using.
The Beekeeper’s Blanket
- 2 ounces water
- 2 ounces Prohibition Distillery’s Bootlegger 21 Gin
- 1/2 ounce thyme honey syrup
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- A sprig of thyme for garnish
In a small saucepan over high heat add 2-4 ounces of water and bring it to the point where small bubbles begin to form. It shouldn’t take long with such a small amount (you can also just cheat and microwave the water, we won’t tell). In a shaker, add the gin, thyme honey syrup, and lemon juice with no ice. Give it 5 good shakes and pour it into a mug. Pour in the hot water and stir to mix everything together. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
The Florida Daydream
- 1 1/2 ounces Prohibition Distillery Bootlegger 21 Vodka
- 1/2 ounce Cynar
- 4 ounces grapefruit soda (we use San Pellegrino Pompelmo)
- 1/2 ounce thyme honey syrup
- Crushed ice
- A sprig of thyme for garnish
In a blender, add 8-10 standard sized ice cubes and pulse on low until it becomes pebble-sized pieces. Fill a highball glass to the brim and set aside any extra ice. In a separate mixing glass or pint glass filled with ice add the vodka, Cynar, and thyme honey syrup and stir vigorously. Strain into your highball glass. Top the drink off with grapefruit soda and give it a very gentle stir. Add more ice if necessary to keep the glass filled up and garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme.
Prohibition Distillery is located at 10 Union St, Roscoe, New York 12776. Hours of operation are 11–6 daily.
