Inspiration for the Quiet Storm comes from hot, steamy New York City summer days. EO bartender Milos Zica wanted to find a refreshing bourbon cocktail that would transcend age and gender. His journey began by creating an infusion using T Salon’s Silence tea, made from rooibos or South African red bush tea with roses, vanilla, orange, and almonds—ingredients all known for their soothing properties. He steeped it in bianco or sweet white vermouth to help retain the softer flavors while showcasing the terra-cotta hue of the tea. Finished with ginger beer, lemon juice, and simple syrup, this drink lives up to its intended purpose as an elegant yet simple refreshing whiskey cocktail. The name hints at the Silence tea moniker while also hinting at the ginger beer found in a Dark and Stormy (page 120).

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　1 1/2 ounces Maker’s Mark bourbon

　　1 ounce Red Bush–Infused Vermouth (page 159)

　　3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

　　1/2 ounce simple syrup (page 154)

　　3 ounces Spicy Ginger Beer (page 156) or Fever-Tree ginger beer

　　1 lemon wheel, for garnish

　　1 mint sprig, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Build the drink by pouring the bourbon, vermouth, juice, and syrup into a tall Collins glass. Fill up with large cold ice cubes and cover the glass with a small shaker top. Shake briefly, remove the shaker top, and top off with ginger beer. Garnish with the lemon wheel and mint sprig.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: sweet-sour citrus with ginger and herbal tea

　　

Step 3

Body: sweet-sour citrus with ginger and herbal tea

　　

Step 4

Dryness: medium

　　

Step 5

Complexity: medium to high

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: slight oakiness coming through from the whiskey

　　

Step 7

Finish: long with ginger and tea tannin overtones

　　

Step 8

Glass: Collins

　　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.