Grapefruit Thyme Cocktail

makes 6

• 1  1/2 cups water
• 1  1/2  cups sugar, divided
• 1 bunch fresh thyme, plus a few for garnish
• 2 tablespoons grated grapefruit zest
• juice of 4 grapefruits
• 1  1/2 cups gin

Combine 1 cup sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from the heat and add the thyme. Let steep for 1 hour.  Strain the time and chill the syrup.

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and grapefruit zest in a small bowl. Transfer sugar to a shallow plate and set aside.

To serve, dip the rim of each 12 oz. high-ball glass into a shallow cup of water; let excess water drip off. Dip each rim into the grapefruit sugar. Set each glass aside and fill each halfway with ice.

Add 3/4 cup of grapefruit juice to each glass followed by a 1/4 cup gin, a 1/4 cup of thyme syrup. Give the drink a gentle stir and then top each glass with sparkling water and garnish with a twig of thyme.