This cocktail was created in a flash of inspiration to showcase overproof whiskey by offsetting it with wonderfully lush and flavorful ingredients. Strong Baker’s 107-proof bourbon serves as the backbone to the cocktail, providing vigor and heat. This is balanced with our rich homemade grenadine and fresh lemon juice to give a delightful sweet-and-sour balance. The Absinthe Bitters’ anise essence rounds out the cocktail, giving it a classic feel and third dimension. After conceiving the recipe, we were stumped for a name until we realized it was quite similar to a version of the Prohibition classic Millionaire Cocktail (page 66). Because of inflation and the fact that ours is a “richer” cocktail, we named it the Billionaire Cocktail.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　2 ounces Baker’s 107-proof bourbon

　　1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

　　1/2 ounce simple syrup (page 154)

　　1/2 ounce homemade Grenadine (page 157)

　　1/4 ounce Absinthe Bitters (page 161)

　　1 lemon wheel, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Pour the bourbon, juice, syrup, grenadine, and bitters into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the lemon wheel.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: whiskey forward, with pomegranate molasses

　　

Step 3

Body: crisp, medium to full due to high proof whiskey

　　

Step 4

Dryness: medium

　　

Step 5

Complexity: high, rich flavors

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: absinthe Bitters contrast pomegranate and whiskey

　　

Step 7

Finish: long with lingering tannins and pomegranate overtones

　　

Step 8

Glass: cocktail

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.