From old friend and former colleague Steve S. in Logan (Utah) –
…We’re just back from another what looked like was going to be another sleeper of a Christmas party for my wife’s department at the University.
Turns out her favorite colleague snuck in a thermos of these cocktails; granted they were premixed, though she topped them off with ginger ale right at our little table in the corner and we had a damned sight better time than the rest of the non-imbibing party goers.
They’re a cinch to shake together and the tart cherry isn’t that hard to find if you dig around for it; leave out the rum and you’ve got a pretty tasty virgin cocktail for those who still think rum’s the devil’s drink…
We’re off to find tart cherry juice this morning. Appreciate the cocktail and see you in February…
1 and 1/2 ounces rum
1/2 ounce cranberry juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/4 ounce tart cherry juice
1/4 tsp (or more) fresh finely grated ginger
A dash of ground allspice
2 ounces or so of good ginger aleGarnish: Freshly grated nutmeg, fresh rosemary sprig
Pour or add everything but the ginger ale and nutmeg to your trusty shaker along with a hefty handful of ice; shake, shake, shake.
Strain into an ice filled rocks glass, top with the ginger ale, and garnish with a pinch of fresh nutmeg and the rosemary sprig.
Enjoy.
