Uncle Ebenezer
Mt sister challenged me to make 3 “A Christmas Carol” themed Cocktails. This is #1: Uncle Ebenezer
This drink is a holiday explosion in your mouth, bursting with cranberry, citrus, and holiday spice. This lively version of an old fashioned hits you first with a bit of bitter, like that old curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge, but then warms the cockles of your heart the way a good bourbon should. I imagine it’s the same feeling Uncle Ebenezer had after being visited by 3 ghosts and realizing that it’s not too late be a goddamn decent human being. The tart of the cranberry and citrus are balanced in the sweetness of the simple syrup and the cardamom brings it all together; every sip is Christmas. No, you haven’t missed it. The spirits did it all in one night.
I suggest making this cocktail at 4pm, while your children are screaming and fighting in the background. It’s okay if you just don’t have it in you to parent right now. It’s been a long day… month… year. You’re doing your best. You’re doing great.
Ingredients (makes 1 cocktail)
2oz Bourbon (Burnside Oregon Oaked Bourbon by Eastside Distilling @eastsidedistilling)
1oz cranberry, orange, cardamom simple syrup (recipe below)
1 orange and/or lemon (for garnish)
Sprig of rosemary (for garnish)
A few fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Angostura bitters
Ice
Screaming children (optional)
Instructions
Add ice to a rocks glass
Pour the bourbon and simple syrup over the ice, stir
Add 3 dashes of bitters on top
Garnish: Use a vegetable peeler to peel 2 inch strips of orange or lemon peel, twist and hold the peel into a spiral shape and place on top of your drink. Throw a couple cranberries in there and add a sprig of rosemary.
To make the simple syrup: In a medium size sauce pan, bring ½ cup of water, ½ cup sugar, one cup cranberries, 1tbsp cardamom, and half an orange (sliced and quartered) to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for a long time, stirring occasionally, until it all melts together and the cranberries practically disintegrate. Let cool and then store in the refrigerator for up to 2wks. I recommend making this the day before you plan to make your drink(s).
