Eldermyst Recipe

Make syrup

Combine 3 tbsp granulated sugar and 3 tbsp water in a small saucepan. Add 2 fresh rosemary sprigs. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer for 1 minute to infuse, then remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature (at least 15 minutes) with rosemary steeping. Remove and discard rosemary. Transfer syrup to a small jar; refrigerate until needed. Yields ~6 tablespoons (≈3 oz) — use 0.5 oz in cocktail and reserve the rest for future drinks.

Chill glass

Place a Collins or highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Mix

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz London dry gin, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz elderflower cordial, 0.5 oz rosemary simple syrup, and a handful of ice (about 1 cup).

Shake

Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain

Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice (use a Hawthorne and fine strainer if available) to remove small ice shards and any rosemary bits.

Top with sparkling water

Gently top the drink with 2 oz sparkling water. Stir once or twice lightly with a bar spoon to integrate without losing too much effervescence.

Garnish and serve

Slap the rosemary sprig between your palms briefly to release its aromatics, then place it in the glass alongside a lime wheel on the rim. Serve immediately.