Nightshade Apero: A Low-Proof Highball

In a Collins glass, combine the first 4 ingredients. Stir to combine. Add crushed ice. Top with tonic water. Add more crushed ice if needed. Garnish.

Red Pepper-Thyme Syrup: Deseed the peppers, then juice them. Once juiced, fine strain to remove the pulp. Next, add equal parts white sugar. Mix until dissolved. Add 1 oz. of fresh thyme for every cup of syrup. Let the thyme steep for 24 hours, then strain out. Refrigerate the syrup for up to 2 weeks.