We could not leave a month of all things nature without a toast! And for a toast? We need a cocktail! Today, in celebration of The Nature Issue, we’re giving you the recipe for a botanical-inspired spritz with an Aussie twist! Meet our Okar & thyme spritz.

We’ve used the Australian aperitif Okar for this one, it’s filled with Australian native botanicals like strawberry gum, wattleseed and finger limes. It also uses wild thyme, which we’ve highlighted today by making our own thyme sugar syrup (so easy!). Playing off the thyme brings to life the herbal, botanical notes of this spritz, but we also suggest garnishing with an orange slice if you want to play off the traditional Aperol version!

This is a drink for long summer days, hazy afternoon wedding ceremonies in the sun, with the crackling leaves beneath your feet and the far off bird calls as music for the walk down the aisle.

Thyme Simple Syrup

Ingredients:

  • Equal parts water and caster sugar (for a single-serve)
  • Fresh thyme

Method: 

  1. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove
  2. Add fresh thyme leaves
  3. Bring to a light boil and simmer until sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly
  4. Leave to cool
  5. Refrigerate overnight to let flavours infuse. When ready to use, strain liquid from thyme leaves.

Okar & Thyme Spritz

Ingredients:

  • Ice
  • 30ml Okar
  • 20ml thyme simple syrup
  • 30ml Prosecco or sparkling wine
  • Sparkling water
  • Optional orange slice

Method: 

  1. In a wine glass add plenty of ice
  2. Add Okar, thyme simple syrup and sparkling wine or Prosecco
  3. Stir well
  4. Top with sparkling water
  5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves (and an optional orange slice if desired).