Morning Star Cocktail

Fans of the Paloma cocktail will enjoy this herbaceous cousin, flush with the savory goodness of thyme syrup and floral pisco.

1½ oz. pisco
1½ oz. fresh grapefruit juice
½ oz. thyme syrup
½ oz. fresh lime juice
Pinch of sea salt
1 dash of grapefruit bitters (optional)
Tools: shaker
Glass: rocks
Garnish: sprig of thyme

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake to fully dissolve the salt, then strain over ice.

Thyme Syrup: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil then reduce heat. Slowly add 1 cup of granulated sugar while stirring continuously. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, turn off the heat and add 6-8 sprigs of fresh thyme. Let sit for 10 minutes, then strain into a glass container. Do not cover or store until the syrup reaches room temperature.

Kevin Burrows, Gold Cash Gold, Detroit