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Old Thyme Sour

Riffing on a classic whiskey sour recipe, the old thyme sour (created by Michael Grissinger) adds a number of new twists to create a fun, light variation of a classic cocktail. It all begins with a mix of fresh thyme and Chartreuse, which is sometimes lit on fire to give the drink a sweet and herbal smoky background. Building on that, this sour combines whiskey with elderflower and homemade cinnamon-thyme syrup. Of course, in true sour fashion, there's a healthy dose of fresh lemon juice combined with an egg white to create the foamy texture sours are known for.

How It's Made

Ingredients

  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
  • 1/4 ounce Green Chartreuse
  • 2 ounces whiskey
  • 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce cinnamon-thyme simple syrup
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 dash bitters
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Lemon slice, for garnish
  • Cinnamon-Thyme Syrup:
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 1/2 cups sugar
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Steps

  1. Place the 2 sprigs of thyme and Chartreuse in an old-fashioned glass and stir to coat the thyme. Set aside.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, add 2 sprigs of thyme, whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, cinnamon-thyme syrup, egg white, and bitters.
  3. Dry shake to incorporate the ingredients and foam the egg whites.
  4. Add ice to the shaker and shake thoroughly.
  5. Optionally, light the liqueur-soaked thyme on fire in the glass.
  6. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass to extinguish the flame.
  7. Add lemon zest and fill with fresh ice.
  8. Garnish with a lemon slice and the remaining sprig of thyme.