Henry Clay, lauded for his oration as a U.S. Senator is responsible for being compatriot of Democracy and, more importantly, a forefather to the affable the 19th Century American drinker. The prodigal son of Kentucky introduced America to the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep…
For a man dubbed, the “Great Pacifactor”, Henry Clay also had a dark side. Like many outspoken politicians of his era, a strong drink introduced into serene conversations between men, arguments abound. A heated argument… men wildly smashed on Bourbon… pistols at dawn?
In homage, I thought it appropriate to twist up this cocktail a bit in my unique fashion. The Henry Clay, a mint-based cocktail, emulates the refinement of a perfectly crafted Mint Julep
Taste, smell, and clarity are the accoutrements that connect a person to a cocktail. The proper drinking vessel reflects the ethos of the drink. The iconic symbol of Secretary Clay’s harmonious creation is the Mint Julep cup. Every May is christened by a celebration of his drink in a silver of pewter cup. However, to stir pugnacious spirit within the Henry Clay cocktail, we recommend a Collins Glass for the. The tall narrow glass measuring 10-14 US FL oz. was designed as a “meet cute” between ingredients as they were poured over the ice. The narrow and slender stature of the glass also prevent the carbonated drink in which it is named for from going flat. But the origin of the Tom Collins is a history lesson for another time…
Ingredients:
- 3 oz. Four Roses Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 oz. very strong “smoky” tea from yesterday
- 2 oz. Mint Simple Syrup (infuse fresh mint in simple syrup overnight, then remove)
- 2-3 shakes Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas Bitters
- Freshly whipped heavy cream (not optional)
Preparation:
- Brew a pot of Lapsang Souchong tea, let cool and refrigerate overnight well covered with plastic wrap
- To a mixing glass, fill ¾ with ice and add a good splash of the mint simple syrup
- Add the Lapsang Souchong Tea
- Add the Bourbon Whiskey
- Taste for sweetness, stir well and serve in a long glass packed with ice.
- Top with a tablespoon or more of your whipped cream
- Add the Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas Bitters to finish. (Just a couple of drops will do!)
The secret ingredient in my cocktail is the addition of strong tea. Dark Chinese Tea is one of the hidden elements that add depth to a drink with brown liquors. The addition of Moscovado sugar syrup, paired with The Jerry Thomas Bitters fit the historic component of this drink perfectly.
The Cocktail Whisperer (www.CocktailWhisperer.com), Warren Bobrow, is the author of Apothecary Cocktails and the newly released Whiskey Cocktails Warren incorporates some of the best whiskeys into hand-crafted cocktails that bring out the subtle notes and flavors of any good bourbon or scotch. His new book, Whiskey Cocktails, features 75 traditional, newly-created, and original recipes for whiskey-based cocktails.
Warren’s second book, Whiskey Cocktails is out now! It is a fabulous book, with 75 New Ways to drink one of the world’s most popular spirits! Find it and Apothecary Cocktails by going here:
http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Cocktails-Rediscovered-Classics-Contemporary/dp/1592336396/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423247837&sr=1-1&keywords=whisky+cocktails
– Warren Bobrow
