Earth Day serves as an annual reminder to appreciate everything that comes from our beautiful planet— and one of those things is flavor. Earthy herbs, rich botanicals, and spring-fresh produce can accent a perfectly appointed cocktail that channels everything great about spring.
Pisco Rouge from The Cottage
265 Post Road East, thecottage.kitchen
2 oz. pisco (they use Mosto Verde)
1 oz. lime juice
3/4 oz. cherry hibiscus sage syrup (house-made)
1/2 oz. egg white
For garnish: dehydrated sage leaf and Angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients and dry shake. Serve with garnish.
"We were inspired to make a syrup that encompassed an herbal quality while still having the ability to resonate in a balanced drink," explains Andrea Rossi, The Cottage's manager. "The fruit/herbal balance of the cherry/hibiscus and sage made that happen."
Lemon Tartini from Nômade
150 Main Street, nomadewestport.com
2 oz. limoncello
1 oz. vanilla vodka
0.5 oz. simple syrup
1 oz vegan cream (they use Violife)
For garnish: dehydrated lemon or lime slice
Combine the limoncello, vanilla vodka, and simple syrup and shake. Pour and top with vegan cream.
"It just kind of has the feeling of the season," says Patrick Jean, the owner of Nômade, about the drink, which tastes like a boozy lemon meringue pie. "It's not too heavy, it's not too light, it's an earthy color, and it's so fresh."
Thyme Out from The Whelk
575 Riverside Ave., thewhelkwestport.com
1/4 oz. almond orgeat syrup
1/4 oz. ginger syrup (house-made)
1/4 oz. thyme liqueur
Approx 3 oz. of cava
Thyme sprig, for garnish
Stir together almond orgeat syrup, ginger syrup, and thyme liqueur in flute. Add cava and stir gently to combine.
"The flavors are unique," says A.J. Castorina, the general manager and lead cocktail enthusiast at The Whelk. "And here at The Whelk, we always incorporate so many fresh and seasonal things." Not to mention the bubbles, which make it a delightful pairing with the seafood options The Whelk is famous for.
Hibiscus Margarita from Terrain
561 Post Road E., shopterrain.com
1.5oz. hibiscus-infused tequila (house-made)
1 oz. triple sec
1 oz. lime juice
0.5 oz. cardamom agave (house-made)
1 tsp. hibiscus salt, to garnish
Rim glass with lime, then coat with salt. Combine all other ingredients over ice, shake, and pour into glass.
"It's typically our bestseller," says Emily Smith, the director of operations at Terrain, of the floral-infused marg. "It's got the delicate flavors of spring, but it appeals to a broad audience." What's not to love?