Thyme for Whisky is an oxymel cocktail that combines the woody and herbaceous notes of thyme with honey vinegar and whisky.
Oxymel Cocktail: Thyme for Whisky – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Oxymel (oxy =“acid”, mel = “honey”) is an ancient remedy believed to be a cure-all tonic. Made by infusing herbs with equal parts vinegar and honey, it has a shrub-like quality which makes it well suited to cocktails.
Oxymel can made from a variety of herbs from a cocktail garden. In this case, we’ve infused thyme with equal parts raw honey and apple cider vinegar. The infusion was left for a period of four weeks which gave the modifier ample time for the flavour to marry and mellow. You can read all about oxymel and how to make it here.
The recipe for Thyme for Whisky is a Cocktails & Bars original. It puts the whisky and thyme oxymel at the forefront, complemented by honey water (in a ratio of 1 honey to 2 water), and a dash of Angostura bitters for balance. Fruit-driven Speyside style whiskies work best in this case, be it blends or single malts. Heavily peated whiskies are best avoided as they tend to overpower the herbal nuances in the drink.
The cocktail can be served in two ways, in an old-fashioned glass over a large cube of ice, or served up in a coupette. Our preference is for the latter, which allows the flavours to open up in the glass. Try it both ways if you wish.
Oxymel Cocktail Recipe: Thyme for Whisky
Original recipe created by Cocktails & Bars
Ingredients
- 60ml whisky
- 15ml thyme oxymel
- 10ml honey water (1:2 honey to water)
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
Glassware: old fashioned glass with large ice cube OR coupette
Garnish: thyme sprig
Method
In a mixing glass, stir all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled old fashioned glass with a large ice cube, or serve up in a chilled coupette. Garnish with a thyme sprig.
