Tristan Brunel, bar director at New York's Tusk Bar, discusses the Improved Whiskey Cocktail. He shares the recipe with Maraschino and absinthe, emphasizing the importance of ingredients for a balanced cocktail. The chapter also explores the history and craftsmanship of George Dickel, highlighting the evolution of classic cocktails and the significance of humility in the service industry.
The Improved Whiskey Cocktail bridges tradition with uniqueness by blending whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and maraschino liqueur.
Utilizing key ingredients like Rittenhouse Rye and Luxardo Maraschino enhances cocktail quality and flavor profile.
Gum syrup and gum Arabic play crucial roles in cocktails by offering consistency, texture, and preventing over-dilution.
Deep dives
George Dickle's Unique Approach to Whiskey Production
George Dickle, one of the oldest Tennessee distilleries, revolutionized American whiskey with fresh spring water and traditional distillation methods. They offer both Tennessee whiskey and bourbon, highlighting high age statements and value in American whiskey.
The Story of the Improved Whiskey Cocktail
The improved Whiskey cocktail, a blend of whiskey, absinthe, lemon, bitters, and maraschino liqueur, represents a bridge between the old-fashioned and the Sazerac, offering a unique flavor profile with herbaceous and fruity notes. It provides a refreshing twist on classic cocktails, making it a versatile choice for both seasoned and novice cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients for a Perfect Cocktail
Key ingredients for a perfect cocktail include using Rittenhouse Rye or Old Grandad Bonded Bourbon, Luxardo Maraschino, Kubler Absinthe, and gum syrup. Gum syrup, a liquid form of sweetener derived from gum arabic, offers consistency and convenience, enhancing the quality and texture of cocktails by replacing traditional granulated sugar.
Benefits of Using Gum Arabic in Cocktails
Adding gum Arabic to cocktails increases viscosity, providing a velvety texture and maintaining drink viscosity, which is essential in balancing the texture of the cocktail. Gum Arabic enhances the overall drinking experience by preventing over-dilution and thinning of the drink.
Importance of Decreasing Dilution in Cocktails
Reducing the amount of sugar and dilution in cocktails, such as in the improved whiskey cocktail, results in a well-balanced drink. By using less sweetening agents and ensuring minimal dilution, the cocktail maintains a robust flavor profile and a satisfying texture. This approach highlights the significance of precision in mixing to achieve optimal taste and consistency.
How do you improve upon the very formula that brought us the Old Fashioned? Subjectively speaking, many may argue that it's impossible. But from a technical — or technical cocktail terminology — perspective, there is an historic answer. Tristan Brunel, bar director at New York's Tusk Bar, joins us today to explore the Improved Whiskey Cocktail and convince us of the merits of adding maraschino and absinthe to this tried-and-tested classic. Listen on, or read below, to learn Tristan's Improved Whiskey Cocktail recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!
Tristan Brunel's Improved Whiskey Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
1 barspoon gum syrup
1 (small) barspoon Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
3-4 dashes absinthe
3 small dashes Angostura bitters
2 ¼ ounces rye whiskey, such as Rittenhouse
Directions
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until chilled.
Strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass over ice.