Bruce Bowman avatar
Bruce Bowman

Bruce Bowman

  • Commenter #345
  • Appreciated Commenter #350
  • Conversation Starter #306
Bruce Bowman

I live in Indiana, and there aren't many things that say "Hoosier" more than bourbon and pork. I also have "The PDT Cocktail Book" and made the original cocktail using thick-sliced Oscar Mayer bacon instead of Benton's. Yes, it was weird, but I enjoyed the drink and would make it more often if it wasn't so much work. I remember it being more smoky than tasting like meat.

The orange-twist garnish? That just doesn't fit the spirit of the thing. I used a strip of bacon! Try it before judging me. :-)

Saronno
1 Comment
Bruce Bowman

It's a Brandy Alexander with amaretto instead of creme de cacao. Not exactly innovative, but still tasty. Makes a fine dessert cocktail, or pour it over ice cream. Be careful, it goes down fast!

Whiskey Smash
13 Comments
Bruce Bowman

Oh no! By definition, you cannot make a Whiskey Smash without a muddler. Lemon oil expressed from the peel is an integral part of this cocktail's character. Follow the original Dale DeGroff recipe and smash 'em good!

Trinidad Sour
23 Comments
Alex J

This shouldn't work. But it does. I may no longer go years between my Angostura bottles!

(P.S. typo in the instructions: "fine stain")

Bruce Bowman

I'm not sure "fine stain" is a typo at all. Make sure you brush your teeth after drinking this!

Flatliner
3 Comments
Bruce Bowman

Whoever came up with this concoction should receive a lifetime ban from the bartender's guild. Don't do it. Just don't. I already took the bullet, so you don't have to.

Gin Basil Smash
55 Comments
Felicia

100% upcoming summer on heavy rotation since no yellow chartreuse for Slow & Unsteady. Basically perfect cocktail. Thanks Jorg!!!!!

Bruce Bowman

I agree. Recipe I first saw had 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1), and came out a little sweet for my taste. This Diffords recipe seems about right.

Gin Basil Smash
55 Comments
Bruce Bowman

Just made one with 2.5 oz of Beefeater and my wife's fresh basil. A little sweet, I might cut the syrup back to 1/2 oz, but that's all. Vegetal, yet fantastic, a truly unique cocktail.

Siesta
8 Comments
Jesse Angell

Can you get yellow grapefruits where you are? If they are available here in Vancouver I don't know where to find them...it's red or nothin it seems

Bruce Bowman

Can't get them here, either (central Indiana). If I want yellow grapefruit juice, I have to buy it bottled.

Batanga
7 Comments
Bruce Bowman

5/12 of an oz of lime juice? Peculiar.

I think I'll go with a tablespoon. Seems to me there's more of a difference from lime-to-lime than 1/12th of an oz would make.

Nuclear Daiquiri
11 Comments
Bruce Bowman

I used Don Q and faccia brutto and bumped things up x1.5 so the measurements come out easier (as it probably should be).
Wow. Prepare to have your socks knocked off. It's really strong, both in alcohol and flavor. This is a sipper, not a gulper. Could you fuel a rocket with it? I wouldn't be surprised.
Very herbal/spicy, the lime and rum take a back seat here. Very complex, it reminds me of a Last Word, but more in your face. The Falernum contributes sweetness and pleasant notes of nutmeg/cloves. Very warming on a cold winter's night.
The Nuclear Daiquiri bears little resemblance to a regular Daiquiri, Hemingway or otherwise. But it's still a 4-star beverage, and a great way to use up these less-mainstream components. Believe me, it'll kick your hind end, too. Bottoms up!

Siesta
8 Comments
Johan Drake

Tastes fantastic but was a bit too sweet. Might work better with a switch to 1:1 simple syrup or just a bit less 2:1.

Bruce Bowman

Sour, yellow grapefruit juice is the key here. It would probably go out of balance with ruby red.