While I do enjoy a creative cocktail, I would rather swallow a lightbulb than go to some hipster ~speakeasy~ where a snobby "mixologist" in a suspenders judges my order. You know what I'm talking about.
I love this whiskey cocktail because it gives the prohibition era vibes that are hip right now but you can make it in your home and avoid the aforementioned situation. If I had to describe it in two words, I would say it's "smoldering" and "rustic." I know, I sound like a total asshole, but give it a taste and you'll see what I mean.
Let's make it!
Ingredients (makes one whiskey cocktail):
- 2 oz. rye whiskey
- 2 tablespoons rosemary simple syrup, for this you need:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Sparkling apple soda
- Dash of bitters
- Garnish options: rosemary sprigs, lemon wedge, slice of apple
- Optional: whiskey stones
Directions:
- Let's start by making the rosemary simple syrup. Simple syrup itself is super simple to make. You just take equal parts sugar and water and boil in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. For this recipe, once the sugar is dissolved, mix in three sprigs of fresh rosemary. I like to give the sprigs a little mash to make sure they really coat the mixture. Put the syrup to the side and let it cool.
- Once the syrup is cooled, add about two tablespoons to a cocktail class, along with two ounces of the rye whiskey and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Give it a good stir. Keep the rest of the simple syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator for later use. Or to drink straight if that's how you roll.
- Fill the glass with ice or whiskey stones. Top off the cocktail with the apple soda and a dash of bitters. It looks cool to let the bitters float at the top but I personally prefer mixing it in. Do whatever your heart desires.
- Garnish your whiskey cocktail.
