Green Mountain Melt

The Green Mountain Melt mocktail is a refreshing and innovative non-alcoholic drink that captures the essence of Vermont's famous "sugar on snow" tradition and its affinity for pickled flavors. The sweetness of the maple is balanced by the tartness of the pickle juice, creating a unique and delightful flavor profile. Ingredients: - 2 oz pure Vermont maple syrup - 1 oz dill pickle juice - 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice - 4 oz sparkling water - Ice cubes - A small sprig of fresh dill for garnish - A pickle slice for garnish - A dusting of powdered sugar on the rim for garnish Glass: - Highball glass Instructions: 1. Begin by preparing the glass. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the highball glass and gently dip it in powdered sugar to coat the rim, creating the effect reminiscent of "sugar on snow." 2. In a shaker, combine the maple syrup, dill pickle juice, and fresh lemon juice. 3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients. 4. Fill the highball glass with ice cubes. 5. Strain the mixture from the shaker over the ice in the glass. 6. Top up the mocktail with sparkling water, giving it a gentle stir to incorporate without losing the fizz. 7. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh dill and a slice of pickle on the rim of the glass. 8. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and savory blend that is the Green Mountain Melt.