Cocktail of the Week: Thanksgiving Cranberry Thyme G&T

Today's the day that our US cousins celebrate Thanksgiving - and by all accounts, the holiday is becoming more and more popular on this side of the pond as well, with sales of traditional treats such as Pumpkin Pie apparently soaring in UK supermarkets.

Whether you'll be joining in the celebrations yourself or not, any day is a good day for a gin and tonic! This recipe brings a delicious Thanksgiving twist with the addition of home-made cranberry syrup. Cheers y'all!

1. In a small saucepan, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, splash of orange juice and vanilla extract. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, pressing the cranberries with the back of your spoon until they pop (beware - they'll splatter!). Add the fresh thyme and smash with the back of your spoon -this will release its aromatics. Note: The mixture should be much looser than traditional cranberry sauce. Pour the mixture through a strainer, discarding the solids, and reserving the cranberry syrup.
2. To assemble the cocktail, add about 25ml of syrup to each glass. Top with a few cubes of ice, 50ml of gin and then top with tonic. Mix and garnish with fresh sprigs of thyme.