Bones and Botanicals’ Thyme-Infused Smoked Old Fashioned.
Bones and Botanicals
822 East Center Street
Wallingford, CT
Bones and Botanicals is a small speakeasy cleverly disguised as a tea shop, nestled in Wallingford. Since opening its doors two years ago, the team is dedicated to crafting cocktails that are as artful as they are flavorful. “Our approach is rooted in botanical infusions, fresh ingredients, and a deep respect for the craft of mixology. Many of our ingredients are grown right in my own backyard or sourced from local farms and markets. We also work closely with CT Produce Market, who provides us with fresh herbs weekly and supplies prepared and packaged treats,” said Sarah Glidden, Co-owner and Manager. The team avoids processed or artificially enhanced flavors, embracing an apothecary-meets-speakeasy atmosphere. Shelves lined with jars of tea and mason jars of slowly infusing herbs set the tone, while the space itself is intimate and intentionally cozy. High-back chairs, pillows, an upcycled church pew draped in furs, and even a whimsical “take a book, leave a book” library help create a warm, magical environment. Twinkle lights woven into branches above cast a soft glow, and if you look closely, a few portraits may just glance back at you.
Cocktail: Thyme-Infused Smoked Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. of Ezra Brooks Bourbon
- 0.5 oz of homemade thyme simple syrup
- 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters
Bones and Botanicals’ Thyme-Infused Smoked Old Fashioned.
Method: After stirring in a crystal decanter, strain over a large sphere of ice, express fresh orange rind, and nestle it around a sprig of thyme. The drink is then capped with a skull smoker and infused with smoke from upcycled whiskey-barrel chips.
“Our menu is inspired by the flavors and aromas of our teas and botanicals. Some cocktails incorporate tea-infused spirits, while others rely on imaginative syrups crafted in-house to create a truly unique tasting experience, A signature creation, the cocktail has become one of our most popular drinks and a permanent fixture on the menu,” said Glidden. “The combination of thyme, subtle orange, and warm smokiness creates a flavor that feels nothing short of enchanting—like sipping a beautifully balanced magic potion.”
