The New England Express

INGREDIENTS

THYME SYRUP:

  • ⅓ cup sugar

  • 8 sprigs thyme

COCKTAIL:

  • 2 cups sweet apple cider

  • 1½ cups dark rum

  • ¾ cup fresh lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon Angostura bitters

  • Club soda

  • 8 sprigs thyme

  • 8 lime slices

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Bring sugar and ⅓ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat, add thyme sprigs, and cover. Let stand 10 minutes, then strain into a small jar. Let cool. Syrup can be made 1 month ahead — Cover and chill.

  2. Mix thyme syrup, cider, rum, lime juice, and bitters in a pitcher. Divide among rocks glasses filled with ice; top off with club soda. Garnish with thyme sprigs and lime slices.

    DO AHEAD: Thyme syrup, cider, rum, lime juice, and bitters can be mixed 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

| Adapted from Alison Roman/Bon Appetit