Hither & Yon
This month’s cocktail challenge: Children’s Books! Yes, I’m creating cocktails that are inspired by, and pair well with children’s books. I know it sounds strange but I think I might be onto something...
We’ve been quite busy, traveling Hither & Yon, this holiday season. Whether it be trips to contactless curbside pickup, or an attempt to maintain some semblance of normal by attending holiday gatherings; whether you’re staying at home, or venturing out into the unknown; whether you’re on your own, or surrounded by people. This drink, aptly titled “Hither & Yon,” will take you many places. Sip slowly and enjoy.
The smoke hits you first and you pause, for a split second, as your mind tries to place the clean, earthy wafts of smoked sage. It’s not familiar in a cocktail, but you’re curious and it pulls you in. Next, the complexity of bourbon and the subtle citrusy bitterness of Aperol and lemon dance across your tongue with just a hint of chile (think Baroque meets Tango). As you swallow you’ll taste (and feel) the spice of the Ancho Reyes liqueur. Dr. Seuss wrote “remember that life’s a Great Balancing Act.” This cocktail, my friends, is a great balancing act. It’s big and complex, like this frickin’ book. Have you read this book? It’s heavy AF!
This drink was inspired by, and pairs well with Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, by Dr. Seuss. My parents gave me this book when I graduated from high school. I think it was supposed to be inspiring? It means something different to me now, reading it 20 years later with more life experience. Somehow, it means more.
I asked my mom, recently, why she gave it to me. She said because the whole world was open to me and I could do whatever I wanted. My parents were always my biggest fans. I think they were almost TOO supportive sometimes… but I turned out alright. Reflecting a bit more on the book, my mom told me that “the journey continues,” and that “2022 is going to be amazing!” I love the blind optimism. I mean… what (else) could go wrong?
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Ingredients (makes 1 cocktails
1.5oz Bourbon
1oz Ancho Reyes liqueur
.75oz Aperol
.5oz lemon juice (Santa Cruz Organic 100% Pure Lemon Juice)
.25oz simple syrup (I used a thin version 2 parts water, 1 part sugar)
Dried sage (for smoking)
Fresh sage (for garnish)
Ice
Instructions
Smoke the glass: take 2 pieces of dried sage and light them on fire, then blow them out. Set the glass upside down on top of the smoking sage. I did this on a glass plate. Make sure you have a safe surface. (video on IG)
In a cocktail shaker, mix ice, bourbon, Aperol, Ancho Reyes, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake it.
Pour into the smoky glass over ice and add 1 leaf of fresh sage.
Enjoy!
