In spite of everything going on in the world right now I can’t fight the urge to create recipes that are made with seasonal ingredients. Easter is this weekend, cocktails have been necessary (more than ever), so this carrot cocktail and with ginger recipe was perfect for the occasion. Also, this is a healthy (as it can be) alcoholic beverage. The simple syrup is made with no refined sugar and still sweet enough to be completely irresistible.

I tested this recipe out on Eric last weekend, and for him it was love at first sip. I had to cut him of – mostly because I still needed to shoot this recipe and he was using all the carrot juice! At some point, when I can actually buy fresh produce again (COVID-19), I would like to try this recipe with fresh carrot juice. But for now and for Easter weekend, store bought will do just fine.

A Cocktail with Carrot Juice

Carrot juice is a lot like orange juice when it comes to making cocktails. It has a full bodied flavor, goes well with other ingredients and most alcohols, and adds a naturally sweet flavor to the drink. That being said, it’s a good juice to have on hand if you plan to make cocktails for any spring gathering. Because I typically use it during this time of year, It’s something special to look forward to each year.

Cocktail Recipe with Vodka

I will say, after Eric and I tested this recipe multiple times before Easter, we quickly determined that it’s extremely easy to drink. The carrot juice paired with the classic ginger and thyme combination is just about dangerous. This recipe makes right around two cocktails, which equals out to be right around a shot of vodka in each glass. So try and sip, as hard as it might be. Consider yourself warned!

Cocktail Recipe Ingredients

These flavor combinations are pretty classic. Ginger, thyme, honey, lemon and carrots. Pretty sure if you combined those ingredients together in any way it would be delicious. It’s screams spring, which we desperately need in Wyoming, and it’s so fun and bright. Easily put this drink together with ice in a cocktail shaker, muddled fresh ginger, the juice of a lemon, a couple shots of vodka and a splash of the thyme infused honey simple syrup. Then force yourself to share with a family member. Or in my case, Eric because COVID-19, he was the only other one over 21, and I guess I kind of like him. But definitely save this one to celebrate with your friends once we get out of this mess!

Simple Syrup with Honey

I like to try and substitute natural sweeteners whenever it’s typical to use refined sugar in a recipe. No sugar added is usually my goal because I’ve found that I never miss out on flavor or “sweetness level” when I use a substitute. A typical simple syrup recipe is equal parts sugar and water, simmered until the sugar dissolves. I decided to use honey here instead. It’s plenty sweet once combined with the carrot juice and I also wanted the added flavor. This simple syrup is the perfect amount of sweet to balance out this drink – and so much healthier!