Glassware:
Rocks Glass
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Old Forester Rye 100
.5 oz. Honey Syrup
.5 oz. Lemon Juice
.25 oz. Guava Juice
1 Dash Woodford Spicy Cherry Bitters
2 oz. Cawy Watermelon Soda
Garnish: Watermelon Ball
Technique: This is a straightforward technique of a shaken style cocktail, and how to make a collins style libations, however on a short / rocks glass platform.
Tools needed: Boston Shaker, Hawthorne Strainer, jigger, bar towel, ice, however a Cobbler Shaker can also be used. If you are using an ice bowl, make sure to have a good scoop, as using your shaker tin can damage it and therefore keep it from forming a proper seal.
Start by filling a cocktail shaker full of ice. Add the bitters, the juices, the honey syrup, and then the whiskey. Shake to a 13 count and then strain the drink over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Top with the watermelon soda, stir to integrate, and then garnish.
Entertainment comes in all types: Music, sports, award shows, movies, theater, arts… however, they are all enjoyable. The idea is always to find something that livens up your day-to-day, something that wows, something that feels that little bit more special. Like a classic form of entertainment, this drink starts out as a classic cocktail – The Gold Rush. The sweet and sour flavors of the lemon and honey (and its richness) balance out the whiskey and make it easy for everyone to enjoy, which is why the Gold Rush has been enjoyed for decades. The rest of the ingredients are themed for warmer weather and meant to add refreshment while being a little bit interesting. “Whiskey and Berries” isn’t an everyday flavor combination that you normally see. Rye whiskey is used here because it is big in body and spicy. Its higher strength stands up to the sweeter tones of the fruit juices. The guava juice adds a light roundness to the overall drink and works to act as a bridge between the watermelon and the other base ingredients. While the spiced cherry bitters up the red fruit flavors and bring a little over the top fruit forwardness perfect for the season and a stunning event. The drink is called the Show Stopper because, like any good form of entertainment, there needs to be a “wow” factor that can stop the show. Through the combination of seasonal flavors, classic techniques, and a little innovative flavor pairings, the Show Stopper hopefully won’t stop anyone from having a good time.
