Elder Thaw Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Chill a highball or Collins glass by filling it with ice and setting aside while you build the drink.

2. 2

   Muddle mint and syrup

   Empty the chilling ice from the glass. In a mixing glass or shaker, add the fresh mint leaves and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle the mint 6–8 times just to bruise the leaves and release oils—avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.

3. 3

   Add spirits and citrus

   Add 2 oz Hamilton house-infused elderberry white rum and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice to the shaker with the muddled mint and syrup.

4. 4

   Shake

   Add a handful of ice to the shaker (enough to chill) and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

5. 5

   Assemble

   Discard the ice from the chilled highball/Collins glass and fill the glass about three-quarters full with crushed ice (approximately 1 cup). Double-strain the shaken mixture over the crushed ice to keep mint fragments minimal.

6. 6

   Top and finish

   If desired, top with 1 oz club soda for a lighter, fizz-forward version. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to integrate. Add a lime wedge on the rim and a fresh mint sprig for aroma—slap the mint sprig lightly between your palms before garnishing to release its scent.

7. 7

   Serve

   Serve immediately with a short straw. Encourage the drinker to stir occasionally to keep the muddled mint flavors distributed.