Hemlock Drink

This hemlock drink is a bourbon cocktail that blends cozy spices, brown sugar, and citrus. Perfect for cold weather sipping and easier to make than it seems.

Course Drinks, Vegan Drinks

Cuisine American

Diet Vegan

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings glasses

Calories 282kcal

Author Louisa

Equipment

Ingredients

For the spiced simple syrup:

For the cocktail:

2 slices navel orange, about ¼-inch thick
1 vanilla bean, split open
½ oz spiced simple syrup
4 dashes orange bitters
4 oz bourbon
2 candied orange slices, optional garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions

For the spiced simple syrup:

Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes or until the brown sugar has dissolved.
Allow the spiced simple syrup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate until use.

For the cocktail:

Add the orange slices, vanilla bean, spiced simple syrup, and orange bitters to a jar or cocktail shaker and muddle for 30 to 45 seconds or until the orange has released its juices.
Add the bourbon, then fill the jar with ice. Shake until well chilled.
Strain the hemlock drink into two glasses. Garnish with candied orange slices, and you're done!

Notes

Make the brown sugar spice syrup in advance! You can keep a batch of the homemade syrup in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Select a high-proof small batch or bonded bourbon to bring warmth, richness, and balance to the hemlock cocktail.
This step is key in making hemlock drink! Muddling the fresh orange slices will release the aromatic oils in the peels, which will infuse a bright, citrusy essence to the cocktail.

Nutrition