The Rancor’s Toothpick cocktail is a daring drink that commands attention, much like the fearsome creature it’s named after from the Star Wars universe.
This cocktail is a deep dive into the world of complex flavors, combining the boldness of Old Forester Signature 100-proof bourbon with the bitter-sweetness of Cynar, the richness of sweet vermouth, and the intricate notes of mole bitters.
It’s a cocktail that balances strength with class, making it ideal for those who love a drink with character and depth.
Here’s how to make the Rancor’s Toothpick, guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
The Rancor’s Toothpick Ingredients:
- Old Forester Signature 100-proof Bourbon (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): Offers a robust, caramel-rich base that stands up to the other strong flavors in the drink.
- Cynar (1 ounce / 30 ml): An artichoke-based bitter liqueur that adds a unique, herbaceous twist.
- Sweet Vermouth (1 ounce / 30 ml): Provides a sweet, aromatic complexity that complements the bourbon and Cynar beautifully.
- Mole Bitters (2 dashes): Adds a layer of spicy, chocolatey depth that ties all the flavors together.
- Garnish: An orange peel, adding a citrusy brightness to the rich and dark beverage.
The Rancor’s Toothpick Recipe:
- Chill Your Glass:
- Begin by placing a double Old Fashioned glass in the freezer. A frozen glass will ensure your cocktail stays colder for longer, enhancing the sipping experience.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of Old Forester Signature 100-proof bourbon, 30 ml (1 ounce) of Cynar, 30 ml (1 ounce) of sweet vermouth, and add two dashes of mole bitters. The selection of ingredients is deliberate, each contributing to the cocktail’s layered complexity.
- Stir to Chill:
- Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly until well-chilled. The key here is to cool the drink while slightly diluting it, ensuring a smooth texture and well-blended flavors.
- Strain and Serve:
- Retrieve your frozen double Old Fashioned glass and place a large ice cube in it.
- Strain the chilled cocktail mixture over the ice cube, filling the glass with this rich, aromatic elixir.
- Garnish and Finish:
- Take a large orange peel and express (squeeze) its oils over the top of the cocktail.
- The citrus oils will add a refreshing top note that cuts through the richness of the drink. Discard the peel after expressing the oils to maintain the cocktail’s refined profile.
The Rancor’s Toothpick Cocktail – In Detail
“Star Wars” has etched itself into the fabric of popular culture since its debut in 1977, introducing characters like Luke, Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader, and spreading the influence of the Force far and wide.
This pervasive impact even extends into the world of mixology, as illustrated by the Rancor’s Toothpick cocktail. This creation, named after the fearsome beast kept by Jabba the Hutt in “Return of the Jedi” (yes, the other ferocious creature Jabba used for disposing of his adversaries), was created by Timothy Miner at the renowned Long Island Bar in New York City.
Miner was inspired by his brother-in-law Joey Carnevale, affectionately nicknamed The Rancor for his somewhat unpredictable nature, and a known aficionado of finely made bourbon drinks.
Miner attests that the right cocktail can transition someone from a state of irritability to tranquility as smoothly as a sip, with this drink designed to mollify even those as temperamental as a Rancor.
Drawing from the rich, spirituous essence of the Boulevardier, the Rancor’s Toothpick makes a daring swap, choosing Cynar over Campari. Cynar, an artichoke-based amaro, imparts nuanced vegetal undertones to the drink without overwhelming it with artichoke flavor.
Miner opts for Old Forester Signature 100-proof bourbon for its robustness and value, creating a cocktail that’s both potent and harmonious. For those inclined towards whiskey with a bit more character, substituting a spicy rye whiskey is perfectly acceptable, as its natural zest balances the boldness of sweet vermouth and Cynar without necessitating a high-proof bourbon.
A notable twist on the traditional Boulevardier formula is the addition of bitters, enhancing the drink with a layer of smoky, chocolatey complexity courtesy of mole bitters. While Angostura bitters could serve as a substitute, doing so might skew the cocktail closer to a Wampa’s profile rather than a Rancor’s.
This adjustment emphasizes the cocktail’s depth, making it an ideal choice for aficionados of spirit-forward beverages.
check out some more Star Wars themed cocktail recipes.
