Springtime is upon us, and I’m feeling inspired to mix up a bit of sunshine in my cocktail glass to savor the first warm, sunny days of spring. I’ve chosen to lend a touch of French flavor to the perennial combination of citrus+vodka by adding a splash of elderflower liqueur and a twist of Provence with a sprig of garden-fresh thyme.

Delightfully peppery Chopin rye vodka and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice mingle with the floral notes of St. Germain to form the basis, while lemon and thyme hint at sunny afternoons on the terrace.. The result is a tart and subtly sweet spring refresher balanced with a hint of savory summer herbs, perfect for a cool spring evening or a warm spring day.

Spring Thyme Cocktail

Ingredients
Mix together for one small or double for one full cocktail

1 1/2 oz Chopin rye vodka
1 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 oz elderflower liqueur
Twist of lemon
Dash of orange bitters
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme, bruised to release fragrance
Splash of soda water

Combine vodka, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, elderflower liquor, orange bitters and sprigs of fresh thyme with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into glass.

Products featured
Chopin Rye Vodka
Stölzle Glassware – Oneida Foodservice
Viski Admiral Hammered Shaker in Copper
Fee Brothers Orange Bitters 
John Boos Block Walnut Fusion Cutting Board