For as long as bars have existed, there has been an association with vice. Plenty of devious things have happened in bars and taverns over the last few millennia. Plenty of good has happened though too. Bars have served as wedding venues, post offices and houses of worship among about 1000 other things.
For this drink I was focusing on the community aspect of going out for a drink. While Club Soda and bitters will suffice, I wanted something that grips my soul while I am drinking. I want to feel like I am having a drink even if I am taking a month off of alcohol, or pregnant or have an early morning or am not drinking for some reason that is none of your business.
The bittersweet non-alc Undone Not Orange Bitter serves as the base of the drink with it’s dry and bitter orange character. I wanted to back up that citrus with a more sour and sweet friend, that’s where the Thomas Henry Grapefruit Soda comes in. While this two-hander would suffice, I added depth and length of finish by adding vanilla rooibos tea and rosemary wakes up your sense before even getting your lips wet.
45ml Undone Not Orange Bitter
45ml Thomas Henry Grapefruit Soda
45ml Vanilla Rooibos Tea
2 very small rosemary sprigs
In a rocks glass, gently muddle one of the rosemary sprigs to extract its oils. Then add all the Undone and Rooibos Tea. Fill the glass with ice and add the Thomas Henry Grapefruit Soda. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate the ingredients before garnishing with another rosemary sprig.
Tips: Chill your tea in the fridge before making the cocktail.
Steep your tea for at least ten minutes before chilling it in the fridge.
The rosemary sprigs don’t need to be big at all. Smaller than your pinky finger is ideal. We don’t want it taking over the drink.
