Take on a regal journey through mixology with the High Horse cocktail, a drink that combines the richness of aged rum, the class of kirsch brandy, and the sweetness of cherry liqueur.
The High Horse ingeniously melds Washington’s iconic cherry association with his documented affinity for rum and other spirits. In a post-presidential era, Washington’s Mount Vernon estate earned renown as the nation’s foremost producer of spirits.
Introducing the elements of sweet vermouth and bitters, this cocktail emerges as a cherry-forward Rum Manhattan, a drink that would meet the approval of the former president.
The High Horse Unveiled
The regal High Horse cocktail, conceived by bartender Shannon Tebay Sidle of New York’s Death & Co, pays homage to colonial-era ingredients. This noble drink that blends the richness of aged rum with a double infusion of cherry, complemented by the nuanced notes of sweet vermouth and the aromatic touch of Angostura bitters.
Adding a touch of sophistication, kirschwasser, a clear and somewhat bitter brandy distilled from sour Morello cherries and their stones, brings a unique character to the mix. The cherry liqueur imparts a kick of sweetness, completing a regal elixir fit for the most discerning palates.
High Horse Ingredients:
- 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) aged rum
- 15 ml (1/2 ounce) kirsch brandy
- 15 ml (1/2 ounce) cherry liqueur
- 15 ml (1/2 ounce) sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Garnish: Brandied cherry
High Horse Recipe:
Prepare to embark on a journey of refinement as we guide you through the meticulous process of the High Horse cocktail recipe. Ensure you have the necessary tools—a mixing glass, a jigger for precise measurements, and a stirring spoon.
Step 1: Assemble Your Spirits
Gather the noble spirits that will grace your High Horse cocktail with distinction. Measure 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of aged rum, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of kirsch brandy, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of cherry liqueur, and 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of sweet vermouth.
Step 2: Add a dash of Bitters
Add two dashes of Angostura bitters to the mix. These aromatic bitters, with their complex flavor profile, serve as the royal accent that elevates the entire concoction.
Step 3: Stirring with Grace
Place ice in your mixing glass and stir the ingredients with the grace befitting a grand ball. Stirring, rather than shaking, maintains the composure of the High Horse cocktail, allowing the flavors to harmonize.
Step 4: Strain and Garnish
Use a strainer to elegantly pour the blended elixir into a chilled glass of your choosing. To crown this majestic creation, garnish your High Horse cocktail with a brandied cherry. This finishing adds visual allure and a burst of flavor.
Step 5: Sip and Savor the Nobility
With your High Horse cocktail expertly made, it’s time to indulge in the regal symphony of flavors. Take small sips, allowing the nuanced layers to unfold on your palate. The marriage of aged rum, kirsch brandy, and cherry liqueur dances with grace.
Revel in the Aristocracy of Flavor
The High Horse cocktail stands as a testament to the grandeur that can be achieved within the realm of mixology. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or an aspiring home bartender, this cocktail invites you to revel in the aristocracy of flavor.
Cheers to the High Horse cocktail—an emblem of refinement, an elixir of distinction, and a celebration of the noble art of mixing drinks. May your spirits be lifted to new heights with each majestic sip.
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