A cocktail is an impression of a greater experience –  evoking something beautiful, mysterious, tender, dramatic.  My Venus Thistle Cocktail is an impression of the stunning wildflowers and rocky crags of Pinnacles National Park.

Its namesake wildflower, The Venus Thistle, blooms bright and fresh in a harsh and dry landscape.

Scotch was the natural choice to represent a thistle.  My favorite mixer, St. Germain, lends a gentle and well rounded floral sweetness to this drink.  Muddled white thyme from my garden evokes the fragrant, resinous vegetation of the Pinnacles.  Serve in a small, chilled cocktail glass.  Enjoy!

The Venus Thistle
(serves one)

1 1/2 oz good quality scotch
1/2 oz St. Germain
2 sprigs fresh thyme
ice

Gently muddle one spring thyme in the base of your cocktail mixing glass.  Pour in scotch and St. Germain, then add four cubes of ice.  Stir for a minute to thoroughly chill the cocktail.  Strain into a coupe and garnish with a sprig of thyme.