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December evenings are magical here on the East Coast. What the days lack in length, they make up for in cotton candy sunsets. Everything seems to glow–people and businesses put up twinkling lights for the holidays, and dusk casts the softest purple light on the trees and streets. 

It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to celebrate–especially with the joy of the holidays in the air. And when I went to the grocery store this week only to find baskets overflowing with mandarin oranges, I knew I wanted to make a festive drink inspired by this beautiful time of year and the citrus bounty of the month. And these Mandarin Orange and Thyme Palomas were the result!

Mandarin oranges are sweeter, juicier, and less acidic than navel oranges–and like most citrus fruit, they’re at peak deliciousness in the winter months. I find that subtle hints of thyme and ginger bring out their delicate and complex flavor–which is why I wanted to infuse this drink with both. 

This recipe calls for a homemade Ginger Simple Syrup–which I highly recommend making! It’s perfect in this drink, but can elevate almost any drink or cocktail with a hint of gingery sweetness.

I like to start by rubbing the inside of each glass with a fresh sprig of thyme to gently infuse the drink with the flavor. Next, all you have to do is stir in the tequila, fresh mandarin and lime juice, simple syrup–and top with sparkling water. 

Sweet, tangy, and aromatic, these Mandarin Orange and Thyme Palomas are the perfect cocktail for both holiday celebrations and festive winter evenings. 

Mandarin Orange & Thyme Palomas

Serves one

Ingredients:

For the Ginger Simple Syrup:

• ½ cup filtered water

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup chopped peeled ginger

For the palomas:

• 2 oz silver tequila 

• 2 oz fresh mandarin orange juice

• ½ oz fresh lime juice 

• 1-2 tablespoons ginger simple syrup (depending on how sweet you want your drink to be)

• Fresh thyme sprigs

• Optional: mandarin orange slices for garnish
  

To make:

1. Make the ginger simple syrup. Add the sugar, water, and chopped peeled ginger to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat, cover, and let cool completely. Use a mesh strainer to remove the ginger pieces. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

2. Juice the mandarin oranges and limes. 

3. Rub the inside of the cocktail glass with a sprig of fresh thyme to infuse the drink with flavor. Add ice to the glass. 

4. Add teh tequila, orange juice, lime juice, and ginger simple syrup. Stir to combine, then top off with sparkling water. 

5. Garnish with mandarin oranges and more thyme. Enjoy!!

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