Handsome Bob
Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Funky, fruity, nutty, winter spiced, and whiskey.
A discussion about the importance of Saratoga, NY, to the cocktail scene of the 19th century brought up the infamous "Dude Off" between Evander Berry Wall and Robert "Handsome Bob" Hillard. Hillard lost and Wall walked away with the title of the "King of the Dudes," but I wanted to pay tribute through the lesser known Saratoga (Jerry Thomas' 1862 one that is a Vieux Carre minus Benedictine and Peychaud's was earlier and better known today) -- that one being Harry Johnson's 1882 Brandy Old Fashioned with pineapple syrup and Maraschino as the sweeteners.
- Sex Panther — Bourbon, Cynar, Virgin Islands Rum, Bitters, Demerara syrup, Orange peel
- Halcyon — Bourbon, Cynar, Walnut Liqueur, Licor 43, Cherry Liqueur, Absinthe, Salt, Orange peel
- Bring Me, A Shrubbery — Bourbon, Cynar, Falernum, Ginger shrub, Grapefruit peel
- Silent Partner — Bourbon, Cynar, Bitters, Herbal liqueur, Demerara syrup, Lemon peel, Coffee bean
- Cynar Toronto — Rye, Cynar, Bitters, Simple syrup
Same complaint is always that with Cruzan blackstrap.. too sweet, too much syrup. Other balance is interesting.