Meat Hook

1 3⁄8 oz Rye, Sazerac
2⁄3 oz Sweet vermouth, Carpano Punt e Mes
2 t Islay Scotch, Ardbeg
1 t Maraschino Liqueur, Luxardo
1 Brandied cherry (as garnish)
Instructions

Build in a mixing glass, add ice, stir until well chilled. Strain into a sour glass or coupe, garnish with a brandied cherry.

Notes

Any spicy rye will suit this drink - Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond goes well, as does Wild Turkey 101. The Punt e Mes can be substituted for any sweet vermouth, preferably one on the bitter side (e.g. Carpano Antica Fomula). Ardbeg is optimal, but a different smoky Islay single malt (e.g. Laphroaig) will serve.

History

A variation of the Red Hook, designed to complement the meat-heavy menu served at the restaurant.

Cocktail summary
Created by
Shaun Layton of L'abattoir bar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Is an
altered recipe
Curator
Not yet rated
Average
4 stars
(12 ratings)
YieldsDrink
Cocktail Book
Log in or sign up to start building your Cocktail Book.
From other users
  • Sweet vermouth detracts, try again with Punt e Mes
  • Well balanced.
Similar cocktails
  • Bobby Burns — Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Lemon peel
  • Rob Roy — Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Bitters, Lemon peel, Maraschino cherry
  • New Nails — Scotch, Jamaican rum, Drambuie, Swedish Punsch, Bitters, Absinthe, Orange peel
  • Spaghetti Western #2 — Bourbon, Sweet vermouth, Mezcal, Strega
  • Cowboy Killer — Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Islay Scotch, Maraschino Liqueur, Peychaud's Bitters, Lemon peel
  • Nectar o(ld) f(ashioned) The Gods — Añejo tequila, Mezcal, Grapefruit bitters, Bitters, Agave syrup
  • That'll Take the Edge Off — Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Herbal liqueur, Peychaud's Bitters, Absinthe, Grapefruit peel
  • Stone of Destiny — Blended Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Apricot liqueur, Ginger syrup, Orange peel
  • Vital Signs — Cognac VSOP, Blended Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Coffee liqueur, Bigallet China-China, Absinthe, Lemon peel
  • Hastings — Scotch, Calvados, Sweet vermouth, Drambuie, Orange peel
Comments

The Sazerac is lost with the Ardbeg, even in small amount, overpowering the Rye.  Don't get me wrong, excellent cocktail!  I love Islay Scotch and a smoky drink.   But next go round I'll use a much cheaper Old Overhort for comparison and see if I enjoy the drink just as much.