Fall has finally arrived in California this december making
me miss the crisp chill of New York at Christmas. Well I may not be able to
head over to see the tree at Rockefeller Center anymore I can harken back to
those cold winters with one of my favorite fall/winter cocktails, the Columbus
Circle. This cocktail blends bourbon, sweet vermouth, double black shrub
(recipe below) and black walnut bitters. Sort of an applely Manhattan, this
drink always reminds me of those cold winter days…and the bourbons that warmed
me through them.
Columbus Circle
2 oz. bourbon
.75 oz. double black shrub
.5 oz. sweet
vermouth
3-4 drops black
walnut bitters
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass. As for the bitters,
be careful. Black walnut can quickly overpower any drink so make sure not to
exceed three to four drops, and I do mean drops, use a dash and your cocktail
instantly turns into pancake syrup. Fill glass ¾ with ice and chop. To chop a
cocktail simply taking a mixing spoon and repeatedly stab the contents of the
mixing glass for 15-25 seconds. This allows for a thin veneer of ice to form on top of the
cocktail while still retaining the clarity and further coldness of a stirred
drink. Strain into a martini or coupe glass and garnish with a brandied cherry.
(You can substitute good old maraschino if you don’t feel like spending the
money or time on making them)
Double Black Shrub
1.5 cups apple cider vinegar
1.5 cups sugar
1.5 Arkansas black apples (can substitute your favorite
cooking apple)
15 blackberries muddled into a paste
1 tablespoon of
good aged Balsamic vinegar
Add apple cider vinegar to a saucepan and heat until near a
low boil. Add in sugar and stir until dissolved. Add Apples and blackberries to
syrup, simmering for 30 minutes at a low temp. Finally add in balsamic vinegar and
pour contents of pan into a mason jar. Now place your shrub in the fridge for 2
weeks. It’s during this time that the natural yeast within the fruit will begin
to mellow the flavors. After the first week strain out all solids and put back
into fridge for the second week before using it.