Spiked Lavender Cider

Here is another one from Celeste Leonard, a perfect fall cocktail if I ever had one:

"I think vinegars have their own special place in mixology & I wanted to try out some DIY vinegar simple syrups. This is a cocktail I came up with using a lavender vinegar that I got from Clare. It’s a very tasty little guy that fits perfectly with the fall equinox that just passed! Happy Fall!"

 Ingredients:

-2 oz tequila
-1/2 oz lavender vinegar syrup, *see below for recipe
-1 1/2 oz cider
-a few thyme sprigs (save 1 for a garnish at the end)
-boston shaker

1) Put 2 small spigs of thyme into a shaker full of ice. (Since we aren’t going for a strong thyme flavor, we aren’t going to muddle the herb like is done in a Mojito. Instead, we are just going to shake the herbs with ice, which shock the herbs just enough to give the drink a nice herbal aroma).
2) Add all other ingredients. Shake & strain into a glass full of new ice.
Garnish with a sprig of thyme (try clapping your herb between your hands before you garnish the drink. I know it sounds strange but it really helps to release the aroma! Now toss in your thyme spring.


photo curtesy of Celeste Leonard

*1/4 cup lavender vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar. Melt all ingredients in a sauce pan, cool, and bottle. It will need refrigerating, but you'll use it pretty fast.