Drops of the River. Botanical. Floral. Uplifting.

Some cocktails start as an idea behind the bar. Others begin much earlier, shaped by memories that stay with you long before Nectar ever existed. Drops of the River is one of those drinks.

This cocktail is a tribute to summer days in Zurich, my hometown, where the River Limmat runs straight through the city. In the warmer months it becomes a place to swim, meet friends, have a drink and slowly drift into the evening before heading out for the night. I wanted to create something that captured that feeling. Light, refreshing and effortless.

Where the Drink Began

After completing my bartender training at the European Bartender School, I started building a small collection of spirits at home. I would experiment constantly, testing combinations that felt new or unexpected.

Two bottles that stood out instantly were gin and mastiha.

Mastiha has a unique character. Slightly herbal, slightly sweet, with a resinous freshness that feels almost nostalgic. Paired with gin, the drink immediately felt balanced. Clean but expressive. It quickly became one of the drinks I enjoyed most regularly long before it ever reached the Nectar menu.

Bringing the Ingredients Together

Drops of the River combines Bombay Sapphire, Mastiha, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Jasmine Syrup and Lemon.

Each ingredient plays a very specific role.

The gin brings structure and botanical depth. Mastiha adds a subtle Mediterranean sweetness that feels fresh rather than heavy. Elderflower lifts the drink with floral notes, while jasmine softens the edges and adds a delicate aroma. Lemon ties everything together, keeping the cocktail crisp and lively.

The result is a drink that feels uplifting from the first sip. Floral without being overpowering, bright without feeling sharp.

A Familiar Style With a Twist

Guests often ask what it compares to, and I usually say that anyone who enjoys a Gimlet, a Daiquiri or even a Pornstar Martini will feel comfortable with this cocktail. It carries the same refreshing energy but moves in a slightly more botanical direction.

It is one of those drinks that feels easy to order even if you are not usually adventurous with cocktails.

A House Favourite

Since adding it to the menu, Drops of the River has quietly become one of our house favourites. Guests come back for it regularly, and for me it still feels like a personal connection to the summers that inspired it.

Some drinks are built purely around flavour. Others carry a sense of place. This one does both, and every time it leaves the bar it feels like a small reminder of home.