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Ingredients
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Cocktail Base
Aromatic & Garnish
Ice & Optional
Method
Prep & Muddling
- 1
Aromatics
Lightly bruises one thyme sprig: lay one fresh thyme sprig between your fingers and clap once or press gently with the back of a spoon to release oils. Reserve the second sprig for garnish.
- 2
If using fresh pineapple, place about 1.5 oz of freshly pressed pineapple juice in a small container. If using store-bought juice, measure 1.5 oz. Taste and decide whether to add the optional 0.25 oz simple syrup if the juice is very tart.
Shake & Strain
- 3
Build the cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka (2 oz), crème de cassis (0.5 oz), pineapple juice (1.5 oz), the bruised thyme sprig, and the optional 0.25 oz simple syrup if using.
- 4
Add ice and shake
Add a cup of ice to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold and slightly frosty to the touch. This chills and dilutes to proper balance.
- 5
Double-strain
Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer (or use a Hawthorne strainer plus a julep strainer) into a chilled coupe or martini glass to remove small ice shards and bits of thyme.
Finish & Serve
- 6
Top with cava: gently float or pour 1 oz of chilled cava down the side of the glass so it blends but retains a light effervescence.
- 7
- 8
Garnish with the reserved thyme sprig laid across the rim or floated on the surface. Serve immediately while sparkling.