Goodbye (for now), margaritas; hello, holiday cocktails. Now that we’ve finally transitioned out of the summer heat, it’s time to indulge in some flavors more appropriate to the winter months. We checked in with our friends at Forman’s Whiskey Tavern on Riverside to see what they recommend for seasonal sipping.
“As we approach autumn and winter, the weather begins to cool down and people start to gravitate toward cocktails that provide some warmth,” says Russ Niepp, beverage director. “We’ve put our own spin on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail and called it ‘The Sequoia.’ This cocktail features our own proprietary barrel of Woodford Reserve bourbon, which has rich aromas of oak, dark sorghum molasses and burnt caramel layered throughout. Add a few dashes of vanilla bean-infused Angostura bitters and our house-made rosemary syrup, and you’ve got a flavorful cool-weather cocktail to turn to during the chillier months ahead.”
The team at Forman’s will happily prepare one of these signature cocktails if you drop by, but if you want to turn mixologist at home, we scored the recipe for you. Cheers!
The SEQUOIA
INGREDIENTS
For the cocktail:
3 dashes vanilla bean-infused
Angostura bitters
1/2 ounce rosemary-infused simple syrup
2 1/4 ounces Woodford Reserve bourbon
Rosemary sprig
For the bitters:
3 whole Madagascar vanilla beans
16-ounce bottle of Angostura bitters
For the simple syrup:
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
8 rosemary sprigs
PREPARATION
- Bitters (make at least three days ahead):
Slice three whole Madagascar vanilla beans lengthwise and in half, and put into the bottle of Angostura bitters. Let rest for three days before using. - Simple syrup:
Bring water to a boil, add the rosemary sprigs and boil for 8 minutes. Remove the rosemary, add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved. Let cool before using. Store in the refrigerator. - Cocktail:
Stir all ingredients in a cocktail mixing glass, then strain into a double Old Fashioned glass with an ice sphere. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and enjoy!