Palmer Sessions
This recipe is my entry into this month’s @homebarawards’ session bourbon cocktails— something relatively low ABV and easy to drink more than one. As the temps rise in Texas, I wanted something thirst-quenching to enjoy while hanging out in the sun. The result is somewhere in between an Arnold Palmer and a Whiskey Smash and might be my official drink of Summer 2023.
The build is relatively simple and hinges on a not-so-simple sweet tea cordial (recipe here). Brewing the tea using a sous vide allows for a ton of tea flavor with restrained bitterness, essentially a super flavorful concentrated tea base. This method allows for the addition of other aromatics and, if going for sweet tea, sugar. I paired it with a red wine barrel aged whiskey (kindly gifted by @twoeaglesdistillery)—the subtle tannic notes help tie the whiskey to the tea. Kudos to @basilhayden for sponsoring this month and they also have a red wine barrel expression to check out.
Tasting notes: this drink is SO crushable. Up front there is plenty of lemon, mint, and tea. The whiskey is present but restrained. There is a lot of botanical depth that slowly fades in, i and a touch of puckering tannins that are balanced by the effervescence and sweetness and make it hard to put down. I’m so glad I made a big batch of the cordial!
Recipe
1.25oz Red wine barrel aged Bourbon
1.25oz Sweet tea cordial
0.75oz Lemon juice
0.25oz Amaro Montenegro
3-4oz Soda water
Build drink in a mason jar. Add first four ingredients, fill 3/4 glass with ice, then stir briefly to chill. Top with soda water and more ice, stir to incorporate. Garnish with fresh mint and lemon wheel. Cheers!!
