I love Ranier cherries but I’ve had to wait a long “thyme” to finally enjoy this Rainier Cherry Scotch Thyme “New Fashioned” cocktail. The idea for my Rainier Cherry Scotch Thyme “New Fashioned” came to me sometime last fall. Oh the torture of having to wait for Rainier cherry season to get to finally make one. I have to say, this Rainier Cherry Scotch Thyme “New Fashioned” was absolutely worth the wait. Considering it’s made with Scotch, it’s still a very light and refreshing cocktail. It’s woodsy and herbaceous without being overwhelming. It’s quite perfect for the early summer late spring season during which it’s easiest to find Rainier cherries. Hint, this is no coincidence. The scotch you select will have a big impact on the flavor of the drink. I recommend that first and foremost, pick one you like. It seems obvious, but sometimes when reading a recipe it’s easy to forget the most important part of cooking and eating: your taste buds rule! I chose a medium/light peatiness so as not to overwhelm the cherries. Thyme is strong though, and it holds its own with the peat in my Rainier Cherry Scotch Thyme “New Fashioned” cocktail.
Rainier Cherry Scotch Thyme New Fashioned
Ingredients
- 1 ounce scotch
- ½ ounce thyme simple syrup
- 2 sprigs thyme; one reserved
- 2 lemon wedges
- ¼ cup water or seltzer
- 3-4 pitted Rainier cherries and an extra for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Place the lemon wedges, cherries, and thyme sprig in the bottom of a high ball glass. Muddle well.
- Add the scotch, simple syrup and water or seltzer. Add ice and stir well.
- For the garnish, I took a pitted cherry and stuck a thyme stem through the hole in the center. It makes for a stirring stick that's edible and delicious.
First of all, Rainier Cherries are THE BOMB!
Two, the old fashioned PLUS Rainier Cherries??? GENIUS!
well played, well played.
Thanks! Yeah, this one felt like a stroke of genius, I must say. Enjoy, I know I did.
one of my husbands favorite drinks is the old fashioned. I bet he would LOVE this. Yum!
I bet he will. It’s perfectly lightened up for summer, too.
Rainier cherries are the best! What a delicious sounding cocktail you made!
I love them, too. And they’re so beautiful.
I like the addition of the thyme simple syrup and cherries for a twist on a classic cocktail. Added to my summer patio sipping list!
Thanks!
Rainier cherries have *just* hit the market where I live, very exciting! I love the idea of this drink – “new” fashioned, love it! Old fashions are one of my faves, I’m pinning to try this one soon!
Thanks and enjoy. I’m sure you will.