Shoulda Been A Contender
Bartender Nathaniel Smith of Spoon & Stable in Minneapolis's North Loop loved the movie “Creed” this year. He feels that, while Sylvester Stallone received a deserved Best Supporting Actor nomination, Michael B. Jordan and the movie itself should have been nominated as well. Hence the cocktail named ‘Shoulda Been A Contender.’
Based on a classic bourbon drink, called a ‘Gold Rush,’ Nathaniel chose to use a 12-year blended Dewars Scotch whisky instead. The smoky flavor is balanced by the lemon juice, and tamed by the honey syrup. A little kosher salt pairs well with the smoke from the scotch, in the way sea salt is often paired with chocolate.
For a little Oscars bling, don’t forget the edible gold leaf garnish, available at baking and craft stores.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Dewar’s 12 Blended Scotch Whisky
- ¾ oz honey simple syrup *
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Edible gold leaf
* Make the honey simple syrup by dissolving honey in an equal part of hot water.
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients vigorously over ice; long enough to combine and chill ingredients, and to break up the gold leaf into small flecks. Serve on the rocks, in a lowball glass.
Spoon and Stable represents the homecoming of world-renown chef Gavin Kaysen. Bar manager Robert Jones and his staff serve up a celebrated menu of seasonal riffs on classic cocktails.
211 North First Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 224-9850