Alfred's Orchard

Inspired by King Alfred of Wessex, Alfred's Orchard is a tribute to the Saxon era, utilizing ingredients that would have been available in Anglo-Saxon England. This drink is a harmonious blend of mead, the drink of the halls, infused with traditional herbs and fruits, creating a beverage that is both rooted in history and delectable to the modern palate. Served in a traditional Anglo-Saxon palm cup, this cocktail invites you to grasp history in the palm of your hand, savoring flavors that transcend centuries. Ingredients: - 2 oz of traditional mead - 1/2 oz of crabapple juice (to echo the wild apples of the English countryside) - 1/4 oz of elderflower syrup (for a touch of sweet floral notes) - A small pinch of ground dried nettle (adding a hint of earthiness and harking back to the foraging traditions of the Saxons) - A sprig of fresh thyme (for garnish, offering a fragrant aroma reminiscent of the expansive fields of Wessex) Instructions: 1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the mead, crabapple juice, and elderflower syrup. 2. Add ice to the shaker and shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold. 3. Strain the mixture into a traditional Anglo-Saxon palm cup, already filled with crushed ice to maintain the coolness. 4. Gently sprinkle the ground dried nettle over the top. 5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme, allowing the aroma to enhance the drinking experience. Enjoy Alfred's Orchard, a drink that marries the ancient with the present, offering a taste of Anglo-Saxon heritage with every sip.