I remember the first time I had this cocktail. Ms. Jane Elkins made it for me at Louis 649 several years ago. I'm not sure I've had one since. I've got some allspice dram at home (made by my mom!) and have been trying to think of ways to put it to good use. This came to mind.
Lion's Tail
2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce allspice dram
1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
1/2 teaspoon simple syrup
Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Sometimes one little tweak can make all the difference. Given my love for the Negroni and my recent fascination with champagne cocktails, it's no surprise that I enjoy the Negroni Sbagliato. Roughly translated, it means a bungled negroni — a mistake — but don't let that fool you. It's a perfect starter to an evening, no mistake about it.
Negroni Sbagliato
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce sweet Vermouth
1 ounce prosecco
Fill a
rocks glass with ice. Add Campari, vermouth and prosecco, in that order. Stir and garnish with orange slice or twist.
It's cold out there. Given weather like this, I tend to gravitate towards cocktails that are stirred and boozy — at least I'll be warm on the inside. If you're looking for an alternative to an Old Fashioned, try the Vieux Carré, a classic cocktail from New Orleans.
Vieux Carré
.75 oz Rye whiskey
.75 oz Cognac
.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 tsp Bénédictine
2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Add all the ingredients to a rocks glass. Fill with ice and stir.
Here in NYC, autumn is creeping in. Every time I think it's here for good, we get some random 80 degree day, but it's definitely on its way. Fall makes me crave stews, roasty meats and veggies, melty cheese and strong, boozy drinks. As many of you know, I do plan (eventually) to relocate to Brooklyn, and not just because of its delicious namesake cocktail. In the meantime, I'll settle for visits and a drink or two.
Brooklyn
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce dry vermouth
1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur
1/4 ounce Amer Picon (this may be hard to acquire; you can substitute bitters of your choosing)
Stir over ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist or brandied cherry if you'd like.
