The sun is finally making an appearance again (in some parts of the country at least), just as the buds on the apple trees begin to unfurl. Everything outside is waking up—and you should be too, with a cocktail in hand.
Consider this your soft launch into spring: Tieton Cider Works’ Lemongrass Rose Hard Cider meets a splash of cachaça and lychee. It’s a little grassy, a little floral, and just citrusy enough.
Soft Launch
Makes 1 cocktail
Ingredients
1½ ounces Novo Fogo cachaça
½ ounce Giffard Lichi-Li
¼ ounce fresh lime juice
¼–½ ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste and depending on the lime’s tartness)
3 ounces Tieton Cider Works Lemongrass Rose Hard Cider
Garnish
Lychee ice cubes
Lime wheels
Cucumber ribbon roll (or slice)
Lemongrass stalk
Directions
In a tall glass, combine the cachaça, Giffard Lichi-Li, lime juice, and simple syrup. Pour in the cider last, allowing the bubbles to gently integrate the ingredients. Fill the glass halfway with ice, add the lychee ice cubes, and give it a light stir with a bar spoon.
Using tweezers, slide the lime wheel along the inside of the glass. Lightly smack the lemongrass stalk to release its aroma and oils, then place it into the drink. Finish with the cucumber ribbon roll, or a slice if preferred.
Recipe Tips
Lychee ice cubes are simply frozen lychee. If using canned instead of fresh, consider adjusting the simple syrup and Giffard Lichi-Li, as canned lychee is typically packed in syrup.
