Velvet Orchard

Ingredients

Cocktail

• 1½ fl oz bourbon
• 1½ fl oz cloudy apple juice
• ½ fl oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ fl oz ginger-honey syrup, made below
• 1 cup ice for shaking
• 1 large ice cube, for the glass

Small-batch ginger-honey syrup

• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger

Finish

• 2 thin apple slices
• 1 small fresh thyme sprig

Equipment

Shaker, strainer, 10-fl-oz rocks glass

Allergens and ingredient notes: Alcohol; contains honey. Check spirit labels.

Measurements are US fluid ounces (fl oz), tablespoons (tbsp), and teaspoons (tsp). Syrup components may make extra: use only the drink quantity listed. These recipes contain alcohol and are intended for adults 21 and over.

Step by step

1. Make the syrup: warm honey, water, and grated ginger in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Steep off the heat for 5 minutes, strain, and cool completely. This makes enough for several drinks; measure only ½ fl oz for this cocktail.
2. Put bourbon, apple juice, lemon juice, and the measured syrup in a shaker. Add the shaking ice and shake for 12–15 seconds.
3. Put the large ice cube in the rocks glass and strain the cocktail over it. Finish with the apple slices and thyme sprig. Do not add the whole syrup batch.

The Devotti twist: Ginger-infused honey creates warmth around the apple while thyme adds a fresh aroma at the rim.

Make ahead and storage

Make the syrup ahead and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Mix the cocktail immediately before serving.

Image: AI-generated recipe illustration; homemade results and presentation will vary.