RyeTime
Rye Time
Category: a Nish Original · Mood: When I actually have time
Nish's Note: This one came out of a summer where I was making a lot of simple syrups and had an abundance of thyme in my kitchen. Strawberry thyme felt almost too obvious, but then I paired it with rye and a hit of lemon and it just made sense — that contrast between the fruit-forward sweetness and the spice of the rye is everything. I named it Rye Time because when I make this, it means I actually have time. No meetings. No emails. Just a moment.
Ingredients
Rye whiskey — 2 oz
Strawberry thyme simple syrup — ¾ oz
Fresh lemon juice — ¾ oz
Lemon wheel + fresh thyme sprig — for garnish
Strawberry Thyme Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, and 5–6 thyme sprigs in a small saucepan. Bring to a low simmer, stir until sugar dissolves, let steep off heat for 20 minutes. Strain and refrigerate up to two weeks.
The Glass
Glass: Coupe
Method: Shaken
Ice: None — served up
The Build
Make your strawberry thyme syrup in advance if you can — it only gets better after a day in the fridge.
Combine rye, syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake hard — this one needs the chill and the dilution.
Double-strain into a chilled coupe. The double strain keeps it clean and smooth.
Garnish with a thin lemon wheel and a sprig of thyme. If you have a lighter, give the thyme a brief flame — the scent it releases when you set it down is part of the experience.
Bottle I Reach For: High West Double Rye. A little more refined than the everyday pour, but this drink earns it. There’s spice yet the caramel + vanilla notes play beautifully against the strawberry.