Throughout the summer I've enjoyed light, refreshing and even fruity cocktails. I tend to drink with the seasons, as I imagine most people do. There's a reason coffee shops don't serve pumpkin spice lattes in the summertime months — it feels out of place. I'm much more comfortable sweating at a tiki bar outside than cozying up with a cocktail indoors to avoid the cold, so don't take the following recipe as a transition into fall. Whatsoever.
You'll find me embracing the heat and humidity long into PSL season.
That said, it's time to dust off your favorite bottle of bourbon. We've neglected our old friend for far too long. It's not like the spirit doesn't work well with summery drinks, because it does (look no further than Bourbon Basil Lemonade, which I featured two years ago this week). But these days, I'm reaching for something a little stronger. To me, bourbon is synonymous with a rough day, so when I see racists fighting to preserve some old statues, I turn to the glorious brown sauce.
They say don't drink your feelings, but fuck that. Sometimes you gotta. And, you might wanna have more than one.
This week's cocktail is great for anyone living in a country with an imbecile leader, and those of us who can't wait till there's a cold front that calls for a stiff drink. Go ahead. Tip back a glass of the American spirit. You deserve it.
Double Tall Man
Makes 1
2 ounces bourbon
3/4 Amaro Montenegro
1/2 amaretto
1/2 Campari
Squeeze of orange
Soda water, to top (optional)
Add everything but soda water to a cocktail mixing glass. Top with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist. Top with soda water.
Follow CL columnist Chris Fasick (@cfasick) on Twitter, or email him at [email protected] if there's a cocktail or recipe you'd like featured.
