I'll keep this simple. I went out and voted today. I hope you did, too. Now, I have to wait on the edge of my seat to see if the country gets turned back 12 years, or if it decides it is better to keep advancing. It's a white-knuckle moment, but I will have help dealing with it courtesy of mixologist Michael Lay at Restaurant 1833 in Monterey, California, and his Commander in Chief cocktail.
It is a well-balanced mix of rye (calls for Bulleit, but I used Rittenhouse), Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Cherry Heering, and Campari, with some Fee Brothers Orange Bitters and, according to the Restaurant 1833 site, a Laphroaig rinse as well. I did not have Laphroaig, which is a smoky Islay malt, so I tried it with a scotch I had on hand--Glenkinchie 12 year old Edinburgh malt--less smokey, so perhaps not as assertive as might be required in this rich cocktail. If you have Laphroaig, try it out. Leave a comment about your experience. Decide what is right for you. Then, cast your ballot.
By the way, this is quite a delicious drink, with a lot of depth and nice orange notes. You have to be sure and flame that peel!
In the shaker tonight:
Commander in Chief
- 2 oz rye
- 1/2 oz Carpano Antica
- 1/2 oz Campari
- 1/2 oz Cherry Heering
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
- Flamed orange peel
And then bottoms up! Hail to the Chief.
