Our most recent take on this iconic cocktail combines a bit of the serious 'old-school' with some light-hearted new school.
1. Our base spirit is Johnny Smoking Gun Badlands Whiskey, an unpretentious American whiskey made by Two James Spirits. Their intention was to make an East meets West whiskey that could be enjoyed with umami rich foods like luscious pork ramen broth and spicy dumplings. Its intriguing smoky character comes from a 2 stage maceration that involves Lapsang Souchong and Jasmine teas on a mash bill of 70% corn & 30% rye.
2. Our bitters component is the sexy little Cardamom Bitters from The Bitter Housewife. This adds a spicy yet floral element that compliments the sweet smokiness of the whiskey.
3. And to bring it all home we have two old faithful ingredients- Dolin Rouge Vermouth and Fabbri Amareña Wild Cherries.
Recipe: 2 oz Johnny Smoking Gun, 3/4 oz Dolin Rouge, dash of Cardamom Bitters. If you like a little more sweetness, add a few drops of the cherry juice.
Stir over ice, strain over a big rock or up! And garnish with a cherry. Pure class in a glass, my friends.
