It’s OK to drink on Monday because it’s Monday and Mondays are gross. Half the time Tuesdays are just as wretched as a dastardly Monday. Wednesday is “humpday” and cause to celebrate. Thursday is almost Friday. Friday IS Friday(!!). Saturday is party-day. Sunday is brunch-day.
Not that I condone drinking every day of the week..I work at a hospital and wouldn’t recommend alcoholism as a great lifestyle. No the point is that if you see this here cocktail and want it now but it’s not the weekend yet — just rattle off the above to whatever relative or friend that’s giving you raised eyebrows as you break out your pretty glasses and fancy ice. Or just pour them a drink and that will shut them up.
This play on a rye old fashioned is SO. GREAT. Let me tell you why: It’s super simple and you probably have everything on hand. It’s fresh and bright, and well-rounded. There’s a little bit of sweetness from honey but not too much, the tea adds an earthy floral tone that pairs with the rye so well. And don’t forget the bitters because they are important and every home bar cart needs bitters.
This makes over two cups of the chamomile base — which makes a lot of drinks (10-20 depending on the size pour. see recipe note). This would be a marvelous cocktail to assemble ahead of time for a party. Especially a laid back porch picnic type thing. See this post on a rant about how making individual party drinks is the worst.
Chamomile & Rye Old Fashioned
Ingredients
For the Cocktail Base:
- 6 chamomile teabags good quality
- 2 green teabags good quality
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 TB lemon juice
For one Cocktail:
- 1.5 ounce rye may sub bourbon
- 1 ounce chamomile base
- dash bitters something citrusy or herbal is best
Instructions
For the Cocktail Base:
-
Bring the two cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the teabags and let steep for 15 minutes.
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Remove the teabags.
Stir in the honey and add the lemon juice.
Let cool, then bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.
For the Cocktail:
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Place a rock of ice in a rocks glass.
Splash three dashes of bitters into the glass.
Measure and pour in the rye and chamomile base. Give it a stir. Garnish with lemon peel if you wanna be fancy.
Recipe Notes
- This makes enough chamomile base for 20 small drinks. If you want to make a larger cocktail double the amounts for each glass.
- Store base in the fridge for about 4-5 days (longer if you leave the lemon out) or just drink the leftover tea (it will be nice and strong).
- I know there's flowery tea in this drink but guys like it a lot.
- Please drink responsibly.
Stay Curious.
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