Vernal Rampart

Ingredients:

    •    2 oz Bewilder Be Wilder Whiskey

    •    .25 oz of Red Deadnettle simple syrup

    •    1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters (or other wild-inspired bitters)

    •    A generous amount of drops of Ramp oil (floated or stirred in lightly)

    •    Optional: orange peel or wild garnish (like violet, nettle, or spruce tip)

Instructions:

    1.    In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, red deadnettle syrup, and bitters with ice.

    2.    Stir until chilled.

    3.    Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.

    4.    Float ramp oil delicately on top or stir in gently.

    5.    Garnish if desired, and sip slowly.

Red Deadnettle Syrup Instructions:

    1.    Find fresh red dead nettle flowers and tender leaves, rinse and dry.

    2.    Equal parts red deadnettle, water and sugar (we use raw cane sugar). For example, 1 cup red deadnettle, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sugar.

    3.    In a small sauce pan, bring water to a simmer.

    4.    Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved.

    5.    Remove from heat, then add the red dead nettle flowers leaves.

    6.   Cover and let steep for at least 30 minutes (the longer the steep, the stronger the flavor). Strain through a find mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract flavor.