Cooking Lesson #307: Almost, But Not Quite A Piña Colada

…from the Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? When summer days become endlessly hot and muggy, those of us who enjoy an “occasional” summer cocktail often reach for lighter spirits such as gin, vodka and the ubiquitous rosé. But warmer weather doesn't mean your American whiskey needs to get relegated to the back of your bar cart. No, not ever!
 
There are countless summertime bourbon cocktails that you can mix up. American Bourbon is very versatile and the whiskey of choice for many drinkers, so it's no wonder that it makes an appearance in so many impressive recipes. From iconic drinks like an Old-Fashioned to new recipes that explore interesting flavor pairings, there are many ways to enjoy your favorite bourbons. Here’s one that’s “almost” Hawaiian. Aloha!
 
Cocktail prep time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients
3⁄4-ounce pineapple juice
1⁄2-ounce coconut syrup
1⁄2-ounce fresh lime juice
1⁄2-ounce Green Chartreuse (yes, it is archaic, but it works)
1⁄2-ounce Linie aquavit
1⁄2-ounce American Bourbon
1⁄4-ounce Velvet Falernum
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Pineapple fronds or pineapple spear, to garnish

Directions

1. Combine pineapple juice, coconut syrup, lime juice, chartreuse, aquavit, bourbon, and velvet falernum in a hurricane glass filled with crushed ice and stir.
2. Top with bitters and garnish with pineapple fronds or a chunk of pineapple.

ChefSecret: 

• What is Velvet falernum? It is a low-proof liqueur with all of those classic Caribbean flavors. Due to its provenance (hailing from Barbados), falernum is most often paired with rum and it's a smart combination. But this intriguingly spiced, sweet-tart liqueur is quite versatile and works well with a summer bourbon cocktail.
• What is Linie Aquavit? It's caraway-infused vodka (plus some other spices and herbs, but the licorice-y caraway dominates) and is most commonly drunk as a palate cleanser between bites of ribbe--a crackling fatty pork roast--around the holidays. Expand your horizons.

Quip of the Day: “Despite what you think, insanity does not run in my family. It strolls through, taking it time getting to know everyone personally.”
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