Sandford Orchard Devon Mist Recipe

Prepare honey syrup

If you don't have honey syrup prepared, combine equal parts honey and very hot water (for this recipe: 0.5 oz honey + 0.5 oz hot water), stir until fully combined and let cool. Measure 0.5 oz for the cocktail.

Muddle mint and combine base

In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the 6 fresh mint leaves and the 0.5 oz honey syrup. Gently muddle the mint just enough to bruise the leaves and release the oils — avoid pulverizing. Add 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz dry gin, and 2 dashes of aromatic bitters.

Shake with ice

Add roughly 1 cup of ice to the shaker. Seal and shake vigorously for about 8–10 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain into glass

Fill a highball or Collins glass with fresh ice. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the glass (use a fine strainer if available) to catch mint fragments.

Top with cider

Gently top the glass with 6 oz (approximately) of Sandford Orchard Devon Mist cider. Pour slowly over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and create a layered look.

Finish and garnish

Give the drink one gentle stir (1–2 turns) to integrate the cider without losing too much fizz. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist and a sprig of mint. Optionally slap the mint between your palms before garnishing to release extra aroma.

Serve

Serve immediately while the cider is cold and effervescent.