Smoking Martini

[TBoner]

I'm currently enjoying a cocktail discussed by Gary Regan (though created by a bartender in NY) in an old article I found online. The drink utilizes Laphroaig as a mixer, essentially, and I wept at the thought...then I tried it. Typically, I only drink Laphroaig 10yo (or any expression) neat, but this only called for 1/2 oz., so I went for it.

Here's the recipe:

2 oz. vodka (I used Tito's since it's made in-state and cheap - any decent vodka will do - not a fan of high end products in this category myself)

1/2 oz. Laphroaig (Ardbeg should work, other Islays might also, but I'm not sure)

3-4 drops of Pernod, Herbsaint, or other anise liqueur (I went w/ 6 drops, accidentally)

Stirred over ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass

This is really nice. It's a good lead-in for consuming the whisky straight, but moreover, it's a great cocktail. The vodka really doesn't get in the way of the whisky, nor does it water it down, since you're still working w/80-proof liquor. Instead, it allows the myriad flavors to dance on the tongue, and the anise is a terrific foil for the smoke and iodine. A really balanced cocktail.

I didn't use any garnish, as none was mentioned in the recipe. An olive wouldn't work, but a lemon twist might.

Sorry if this is heresy to any Laphroaig fans. It was to me, too, but it's really a great aperitif (or anytime) cocktail. Recommended.

[CrispyCritter]

That sounds very intriguing. I don't have any Laphroaig in my bunker right now, but I do have some Ardbeg, which might make a nice variation on this theme.

[barturtle]

Interesting. I'm guessing this cocktail must be an old recipe.

It does have some precedence, as it is basically an American style of blended scotch with a touch of anise. Blended scotch nowadays requires that the grain component also be aged for whatever the age statement is on the bottle (or for NAS products, I believe 3yo is the min for scotch). But American blends have no such requirement, IIRC. So the vodka acts in place of (well it actually is...) GNS to cut the whiskey.

[jwrussell]

Hmmm...interesting. I like this idea and hell, I needed a reason to pick up some Laphroaig.