I've professed my love for blood oranges in the past and since they're going out of style faster than overalls in the late 90's, I wanted to make one last drink to rule them all [where my 'lord of the rings' nerds at?! -crickets-]. This cocktail aims to be playful. The nigori sake and the gin (Junipero here. My new bff) go great together and the thyme/ginger/elderflower combo brings out some nice earthy notes.

1 1/2 oz Junipero gin
1 oz Rihaku junmai nigori sake
1/2 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1 dash Bittermen's Xocolatl Mole bitters
3/4 oz fresh blood orange juice
1/2 oz HGT syrup*
*3 parts water, 2 parts clover honey, 1 part fresh grated ginger, 3 branches of thyme. Boil. simmer. strain. bottle.

Shaking time...

Pour in a rocks glass and garnish with 1/2 slice of blood orange & thyme branch.

[ Enjoy ]