a perfect summer cocktail

Summer Rye 

my version of this tasty cocktail

Rather than relying only on simple syrup for sweetness, Shine uses St-Germain elderflower liqueur. This floral and fruity liqueur was so ubiquitous in the early days of the so-called Cocktail Renaissance in the mid-to-late 2000s that it was given the moniker “Bartender’s Ketchup.” However, it’s no after-thought in the Summer Rye, with its notes of white flowers evoking the breeze of a summer’s day, especially when paired with apple. The recipe from liquor.com.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 ounce rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 ounce apple juice
• Champagne, chilled, to top (approximately 3/4 ounce) *Cava or inexpensive is fine.

DIRECTIONS

• Add the rye whiskey, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice and Fuji apple juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
• Double-strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with the champagne.

Personal note: topping the drink with such a small amount of sparking wine will leave you with a nearly full bottle. Why not have one cocktail and then enjoy a glass or two of bubble afterward? This works especially well if you are sharing the event with one or more friends.

GARNISH

• Apple cubes