Spiced Cherry Cordial

So many mocktails attempt at replicating classic cocktails. Literally a mock version of something they are not. But drinks without alcohol in them are not just crude fakes of a real drink with something seriously lacking. They have an artistry all of their own and there is a a huge movement that calls them “soft cocktails.” With all the beauty, ritual, and flavor of a serious diversion. The drink below is complex. It is inspired by it’s own thing.  

Recipe:

1 tablespoon of Seedlip Spice 

Juice of one small lemon 

3 oz black tea, steeped 

2 tablespoons spiced simple syrup 

1.5 tablespoons maraschino cherry syrup, from a jar of cherries 

Dash of aromatic bitters 

Splash of sparking water 

Maraschino cherries, for garnish 

Add Seedlip, lemon juice, tea, spiced simple syrup, cherry syrup, and a few dashes of aromatic bitters in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake it up! Pour into a beautiful glass, add a splash of sparkling water, and drop in a cherry or two.  

Feel free to skip the Seedlip and just add more tea.  

Spiced simple syrup recipe:

½ cup sugar 

½ cup water 

Spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice.  

Boil water, add sugar and whisk until dissolved. Add spices and mix. Let cool overnight, and strain into a bottle or jar.