Breaking the Rules

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                            Breaking the Rules

Have you ever wanted to just BREAK THE RULES?? In the cocktail-making world we talk a lot about the proper way of doing things, and the rules that go along with specific classic drinks.  But sometimes I just feel like doing it MY way, and sometimes that works even better.  Here are a couple of my favorite examples: 

One of the current trends in cocktails is what we call “split-base”. This is the idea of splitting the base spirit into two different ones to change the flavor profile. People have been doing this with rum cocktails for hundreds of years by using two very different rums in the same drink, but you can also do it using two completely different spirits. Think about cucumber vodka mixed with a blanco tequila. Or gin and aquavit. How about Jamaican rum with bourbon? This can be fun and can also lend to complex flavors. Another reason to do split-based cocktails is the PRICE, because it allows you to use a higher-end spirit because you are essentially using less than normal. And finally, this method can be brilliant when using a spirit that is extremely aromatic or has a flavor that overpowers a drink. 

My other favorite lawbreaker technique is switching spirits in classic drinks. Who says a Margarita has to be made with tequila, or a Cosmopolitan made with gin? 

One of my go-to’s is an aged rum Old Fashioned, and I also really love a light rum French 75. I am not saying that ALL classic cocktails are going to work with ALL spirits, but a lot of them do, and it’s a really fun way to take a recipe you already know, and completely adjust the flavor profiles.  Here are a few fun examples of split-based spirits in cocktails.  Have fun and remember there are no rules!  

APPLE RUM OLD FASHIONED

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz. Aged Jamaican Rum
  • 1 oz. Green Apple Vodka
  • .5 oz. Simple Syrup
  • 2 dashes of Aromatic Bitters

Directions:

  1. Stir this well and serve over ice or straight up.  
  2. Zest the peel of a lemon over the top and discard.
  3. You can garnish with an apple slice as well.  

GRAPEFRUIT SPARKLER

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. White Rum
  • 1 oz. Grapefruit Vodka
  • .5 oz. Simple Syrup
  • .25 oz. Lemon Juice

Directions:

  1. Shake well with ice, and strain into a flute glass or a rustic jar.
  2. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.  
  3. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.