Halcyon Sunset
Chamomile tea, best known as a folk remedy to help you sleep, might seem like an unlikely ingredient to mix with tequila, a spirit with a reputation as a party animal's drink, but the flavor profile of this pairing is actually quite old. According to Mexican cocktail lore, the original margaritas were mixed with a liqueur made from damiana flowers, which have a scent and flavor quite similar to chamomile. Here, a simple honey syrup infused with chamomile tea adds a complex but comforting sweetness to ISH Mexican Agave Spirit and punchy ruby red grapefruit. Take a mindful moment in between sips to allow the flavor of the soft, cozy chamomile finish to fully develop on the palate.
Tasting notes: complex but comfy: juicy, tart, and sweet, with a soft, round, herbal-floral, earthy vanilla bean finish
Halcyon Sunset
Serving: 1
INGREDIENTS
For the Chamomile Honey Syrup:
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2 tbs raw, unfiltered honey (it should be solid or semi-solid at room temperature)
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2 tbs boiling water
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2 teabags of chamomile tea or 1 tbs loose chamomile tea (see note)
For the Halcyon Sunset:
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1 ½ ounces ISH Mexican Agave Spirit
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¾ ounce chamomile honey syrup
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2 ounces fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
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garnish: grapefruit slice (optional)
DIRECTIONS
To make the Chamomile Honey Syrup:
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Add the honey to a small jar with a tight fitting lid.
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Pour the boiling water over the honey and stir until you have a uniform syrup.
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Add the chamomile teabags (or loose leaf tea, if using) to the syrup and cover the jar with the lid.
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Allow to steep at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
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Squeeze as much liquid out of the tea bags as possible. If using loose leaf tea, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a new jar.
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Can be made in batches and kept in the refrigerator, tightly closed, for up to two weeks.
To make the Halcyon Sunset:
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Pour all ingredients over ice in rocks glass.
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Gently stir to combine.
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Garnish with grapefruit slice and serve immediately.
Note: Make sure to use single ingredient chamomile tea that contains only chamomile with no other ingredients.
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