Holiday Bourbon Spice Smash
This cocktail created by a Bay Area bartender, Ryan Haile, brings together the rich notes of bourbon, the bright kick of fresh lemon juice, and a unique twist of black tea-infused date syrup for that perfect touch of sweetness. Adding a hint of warmth is the St. Elizabeth allspice dram, while fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing burst of flavor. Shaken to perfection and served over ice, this festive concoction is garnished with a mint sprig and a lemon wheel, making it a delightful visual and flavorful treat. Cheers to a season of spirited celebrations!
Ingredients
2 oz bourbon
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz black tea-infused date syrup*
1/4 oz St. Elizabeth allspice dram
5-7 mint leaves (off stem)
Glass: Double Old Fashioned
Method: Shaken
Garnish: Mint sprig, lemon wheel
Procedure:
Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake till the tin is nice and cold on the outside, about 10 full shakes. Fine strain liquid over fresh ice. Garnish by gently tapping the mint sprig on the back of the hand to loosen the oils, but not bruise the herb, and place in the drink with the lemon wheel.
*Black tea infused date syrup
1 cup water
1 cup Just Date Syrup
4 high-quality black tea bags
On stove top, heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags and infuse for 5 minutes.
Remove tea bags. Return saucepan to stove top and bring to a slow boil. Add in date syrup, stirring until syrup is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Simple syrup can be stored in a sealed glass container and refrigerated for up to 1 month.
created by Ryan Haile, Bay Area bartender