Fireside Sipper

1 drink

For those of you who love late autumn and winter, sitting by the fire and catching up on some reading, the Fireside Sipper is a perfect relaxation tool. It feels a little heartier (perfect for cold weather), and really: Why not use bacon as a garnish? This is a bit more bourbon forward but balanced by the sweetness of the port and Cointreau. The bacon cooks with the orange slices, resulting in a subtle melding of both garnishes’ flavors. And make extra bacon. Because, bacon.

Ice (for shaker)

1 ½ ounces local bourbon

1 ounce tawny port

½ ounce Ransom dry vermouth

½ ounce Cointreau

3 dashes orange bitters

½ to 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

3 grinds black pepper

1 roasted clementine wheel, for garnish

1 candied bacon slice, for garnish

1 large ice cube

Thinly slice the clementine and place on a baking sheet along with a thick-cut slice of bacon (or a few to have extra samples!). If you want to choose the best-looking clementine wheel, slice the whole thing and roast all the pieces. Top the bacon slice with light brown sugar and black pepper.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Mix all ingredients except for the clementine wheel and the bacon. Strain into a rocks glass with 1 large ice cube. Garnish drink with remaining clementine wheel and bacon strip.

From Issue

No. 11 / Winter 2020