Things are not always as simple as they seem

Posted: 07/22/08

I was at the new ‘Roo Bar Park Ave West’ last night visiting my dear friend John Zelzer, manager and bartender extraordinaire.  He was deeply involved in a game of billiards so when it came time to mix the next round of drinks he asked me to fill in and make a round for the table.  I am no stranger to the other side of the bar, having tended bar many a year.  So as often happens, as soon as I am driving the libation bus I go straight for the ‘Old Fashioned’, my personal favorite cocktail.  I got behind the bar, found an embarrassingly large glass and proceeded to assemble the ingredients, a good 3 fingers of  Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, a cherry with just a drop of brine clinging to it, a fat slice of freshly cut organic orange, and, and, where is the simple syrup?!  There was no simple syrup, and no sugar to be seen!  Undaunted I proceeded to muddle the cherry and orange, being sure to bruise the rind to release the oils, added a dash of bitters and all that lovely Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey.  I was sure the cocktail would be amiss not having simple syrup, however, when I had a sip i found it perfect.  Stranahan’s is a delicate whiskey and the more subtle flavors are easily overpowered if a mixologist is not careful.  I found the lack of simple syrup refreshing, I was still able to pick apart flavors and it was not too sweet, so next time you raise a muddler in the heat of passion, try a Stranahans Old Fashioned with out simple syrup and see what you think.  Just a muddled thought, cheers.