Thursday, July 12, 2012

Cherry Jackpot: Summer Cocktail Week 7 (Adam & Michelle)

Cherry Jackpot

After a decade of preferring vodka-based drinks I set a goal for myself in 2011 to branch out and acquire a taste for whiskey (it's good to set goals, but not sure I'll bring that one up in an interview).  I ran across an ad for Evan Williams Honey Reserve in Rolling Stone last year and thought it might be a good product to bridge the gap between my desire for a hint of sweet and the bite of whiskey.  A classic Whiskey Sour ended up being the transition drink that won me over to whiskey, but 8 months later I'm glad I finally picked up a bottle of Evan Williams.

The Honey Reserve whiskey liqueur is smooth and velvety with a subtle touch of honey.  I'm excited to try it soon in my usual line-up of whiskey drinks, but decided to start by creating my own martini: Cherry Jackpot!

Ingredients:
Evan Williams Honey Reserve
Bourbon (used Maker's Mark)
Cherries
Simple Syrup

Puree 1-2 dozen pitted, stemmed fresh cherries with simple syrup until smooth.  Add 2 jiggers Honey Reserve, 1 jigger bourbon and 1 teaspoon of cherry puree to a shaker with ice.  Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh cherry.

Note: store the leftover cherry puree in the fridge and enjoy it mixed with pop, club soda or a variety of cocktails.  I tried substituting it for half of the sugar in a mojito and it was awesome!


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