Izzy Tulloch, the head bartender at New York's Milady's, shares her expertise on the iconic Blood and Sand cocktail. She delves into its intriguing history linked to bullfighting and early cinema. Izzy reveals her unique recipe, emphasizing the importance of balance among ingredients like orange juice and sweet vermouth. The discussion also highlights the craftsmanship required in cocktail making and the value of authenticity in the bustling hospitality world. Plus, don't miss her personal anecdotes that bring the cocktail to life!
Izzy Tulloch's innovative adjustments to the Blood and Sand cocktail underscore the importance of balance and personalized bartending techniques.
The cocktail's historical significance, rooted in 1930s mixology and cinematic inspiration, reflects its lasting impact on the cocktail culture.
Deep dives
The Legacy of George Dickle
George Dickle, one of the oldest distilleries in Tennessee, redefined American whiskey by using fresh spring water and traditional distillation techniques. The podcast highlights the versatility of George Dickle’s offerings, including both Tennessee whiskey and bourbon, emphasizing their quality and competitive pricing. It underscores the brand's long-standing fan base, notably among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, who appreciate the flavor and value the spirits provide. The partnership between the podcast and George Dickle allows for an exploration of classic and modern cocktail mixing options using their products.
The Blood and Sand Cocktail
The Blood and Sand cocktail has a mixed reputation within the bartending community, often cited as lackluster due to its primary ingredient of orange juice. Despite this perception, the cocktail remains well-known and was one of the first cocktails introduced to various bartenders, illustrating its significance in cocktail history. Izzy Tullock, the head bartender featured in the episode, creatively adjusts the classic recipe by increasing the amount of scotch and reducing the vermouth to enhance the drink's structure. The conversation emphasizes the challenges of revamping drinks and mentions how the perception of cocktails can evolve over time.
Exploring Cocktail History and Inspiration
The origins of the Blood and Sand cocktail can be traced back to the 1930s Savoy Cocktail Book, with its name derived from a film about bullfighting featuring Rudolph Valentino. This historical context sheds light on the reasons behind the cocktail's enduring presence in the lexicon of mixology, despite the fluctuating popularity of its components. The podcast discusses the intriguing inspirations behind cocktail names and how movies, literature, and personal experiences have influenced the cocktail scene. By exploring these narratives, bartenders can gain a deeper appreciation for the drinks they serve, further enhancing the cocktail experience for patrons.
Importance of Flavor and Customization
The podcast emphasizes the nuanced relationship between the main ingredients in the Blood and Sand cocktail, such as the balance of sweetness from cherry brandy and vermouth against the tartness of orange juice. It suggests that the effectiveness of a cocktail also hinges on the expertise of the bartender, who can modify recipes based on personal taste and ingredient quality. The discussion mentions innovative approaches, such as utilizing malic acid to elevate the drink's acidity while preserving the integrity of the flavors. This highlights the creativity in bartending, where understanding and adjusting balance are essential for crafting memorable cocktails.
It's one of the most well-known, canonical Scotch cocktails, but is it actually good? Here to discuss and teach everything you need to know about the Blood and Sand is Izzy Tulloch, head bartender at New York's Milady's. Listen on (or read below) to learn Izzy's Blood and Sand recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!
Izzy Tulloch's Blood and Sand Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce very fresh orange juice
- ¼ ounce Carpano Antica sweet vermouth
- ¼ ounce Punt e Mes
- ¾ ounce Cherry Heering
- 1 ounce Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch
- Garnish: lemon twist (express and discard)
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously and double-strain into a chilled sour glass.