You want a drink that’s smooth, refreshing, and maybe just a little bit crafty—something people can sip while they shape their pots and bowls. Introducing the Claymaker, a cocktail that’s as chill as the vibe of your party, but still brings a little extra pop of flavor to the table.
Ingredients (Enough for a Party Batch, because no one wants to mix cocktails mid-clay!)
- 2 cups gin (or vodka if you want a smoother, lighter base)
- 1 cup elderflower liqueur (adds a hint of floral sweetness that’ll make your guests feel fancy)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (for that zesty, bright kick that keeps things fresh)
- 1/2 cup honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, mixed together to make it easy to pour—because we’re all about that smooth pour life)
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary (for an earthy twist that ties in the natural, crafty vibe—plus, it smells amazing)
- Club soda or tonic water (to top it all off with some bubbles—because bubbles make everything better)
Garnish
- Lemon wheels (they float like mini works of art in your glass)
- A sprig of rosemary (for that extra herbal touch—and because holding a drink with a rosemary sprig sticking out just feels classy)
Step-by-Step: How to Craft Your Masterpiece
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Make the Honey Syrup: First things first, mix equal parts honey and hot water in a small bowl or jar. Stir until the honey dissolves, creating a syrup that’s sweet but not too heavy. Set it aside to cool. Easy, right?
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Grab a Big Pitcher: Because let’s be honest, no one wants to be the person stuck making individual cocktails while the rest of the crew is getting their hands dirty with clay. In a large pitcher, combine the gin (or vodka), elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and that delicious honey syrup you just whipped up. Stir it gently with a long spoon, mixing all those flavors into a smooth, irresistible base.
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Let it Chill: Toss a couple of sprigs of fresh rosemary into the pitcher and pop it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This gives the rosemary a chance to infuse the cocktail with its earthy, woodsy magic. Plus, your drink will be perfectly chilled when guests arrive.
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Time to Serve: When you’re ready to dazzle your guests, fill glasses with ice (big cubes if you’ve got ‘em—they melt slower and keep things cool). Pour your cocktail base into each glass, filling it about three-quarters full. Top it off with a splash of club soda or tonic water for that refreshing fizz.
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The Finishing Touch: Add a lemon wheel and a sprig of rosemary to each glass. Not only do they look like little floating pieces of art, but the rosemary’s fragrance will hit your guests as they take a sip. It’s like a tiny aromatherapy session with every drink.
Optional Twist: Make It Yours
Want to get extra creative with your cocktail, like you’re doing with the pottery? Here are a couple of twists:
- For a fruity twist, muddle a few fresh berries (like blackberries or raspberries) in the bottom of the pitcher before adding your other ingredients. The slight tartness will complement the elderflower and lemon like a dream.
- For a spicier kick, throw in a thin slice of jalapeño or some crushed pink peppercorns to infuse the cocktail with a subtle heat. Just don’t go too crazy—you don’t want to melt anyone’s taste buds.
Why It’s Perfect for the Pottery Party
The Claymaker is the perfect balance of refreshing, light, and a little earthy. It’s designed for sipping—not gulping—so it keeps everyone in a relaxed, creative headspace while they’re making their clay creations. Plus, the herbal notes of rosemary make it feel connected to nature and creativity—like it was meant for a pottery party.
Your guests are going to love it. You’ll have them saying, “This is the best party I’ve been to—pottery and cocktails?!” So grab your shaker (or pitcher), get mixing, and let the good times (and clay) roll.
