Rye Mint Julep, 3 Ways

2 oz. Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey
1 barspoon Simple syrup
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Orange peel
Luxardo cherry and orange peel, picked together, to garnish

1¼ oz. Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey
½ oz. Campari
¾ oz. Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth
Orange twist, to garnish

1 oz. Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey
½ oz. Fresh lemon juice
½ oz. Simple syrup
3 oz. Champagne, to top
Lemon peel twist, to garnish

2 oz. Hard Truth High Road Rye
½ oz. Prickly pear syrup*
3-4 dashes Orange bitters
Prickly pear slice or lime wheel, to garnish

*Pre-made prickly pear syrup is available in stores and through online retailers, but, if you’re feeling adventurous, here’s now to make your own:
Cut six ripe prickly pears in half. Using a spoon, scoop the flesh of the pears into a saucepan. Add 1 c. sugar, 2 Tbs. lime juice, and 1½ c. water to the saucepan, then, using a potato masher (or similar tool), smash all of the ingredients together into a pulp. On a stovetop, bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, then let cool for 15-20 minutes. With a fine mesh strainer, strain mixture into a mixing bowl, using a spoon to press the pulp and extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp and clean your strainer, the strain again. Repeat until the syrup has reach your desired clarity. Place the finished product in a sealable container, and store in a refrigerator.