12.22.09 The House Cocktail

Housecocktail 790 xxx
photo by george billard
I got into bourbon about 10 years ago, when a friend introduced me to Booker's. I had been a Scotch drinker up until then, and am still partial to a nice Glenlivet or occasionally something peatier. But I do have a bit of a sweet tooth, and love the vanilla flavors in a good bourbon. Made from corn mash and aged in charred oak barrels, bourbon has a smooth, smoky roundness, like liquid amber. I drink it on the rocks, with a couple of brandied sour cherries, or in my favorite cocktail that I make with the addition of just two simple ingredients. It's an ideal balance between sweet and tart, with a lingering warmth from the booze. I suppose it bears some faint resemblance to an old-fashioned, but don't quote me. I'll be shaking one up this evening, and sipping it as I gaze, tranfixed, into the fire.
 

The Eldred

serves 1
  • — 2 ounces bourbon (try Booker's or Tuthilltown's Baby Bourbon)
  • — 1 generous ounce maple syrup (grade A or B)
  • — 1 generous ounce fresh lemon juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously.

Serve in a rocks glass.

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4 Comments

Wow, this is like diving into an almost sensory-overload of memory, places, scents and tastes. Speaking of taste-full, this entire blog is beautiful, enticing and inspiring. Enhorabuena! Speaking of buena, as this is Chrismy Eve [Nochebuena], I'll be brief. I chose to comment on the cocktails part because you have always made sublime, enJOY tragos and I'd love to try this Eldred. I've loved bourbon since I was first in New Orleans. For me, it's a very southern drink (however overdeterminedly so),and it evokes voluptuously yearning memories. Hmmmm, think I'll be happy to upgrade to the ones you mention here. Felices Fiestas, everybody. Josette, it was so wonderful to read you here and remember many happy partytjies at my parents' Santa Cruz home. Lots of love to you, S
Hambrienta on December 24, 2009 at 8:00 pm —
Bienvenida, Hambrienta. ¡Culos arriba!
laura on December 25, 2009 at 3:16 am —
The Eldred sounds perfect for winter eves. I love bourbon and have been enjoying Corner Creek Reserve Bourbon Whiskey for about 5 years. I recommend it, especially for mixing tho I'm drinking one straight right now. check out: http://www.liquorsnob.com/archives/2007/11/corner_creek_bourbon_review.php
Suzinn on January 2, 2010 at 6:53 pm —
Thanks for the recommendation! Sounds delicious.
laura on January 3, 2010 at 3:29 am —