Rye with Kicks?

A athletic store would seem like a strange place for a drinking event. But then again, Jim Beam makes a tasty Rye and Nike makes some sweet Kicks. So (ri) 1 Rye threw a party to commemorate their special edition (ri) 1 Nike ID high tops

It was in this strange environment, the Nike flagship store on 57th St, that I tasted some of the most delicious rye cocktails. Jonathan Pogash, the Cocktail Guru, was the mastermind behind these tasty drinks. The Manhattan was excellent and rich, and the Jerry Thomas version looks like a Brooklyn to me. The (ri)se and Fall was also a remarkable twist on the classic Gin and tonic. Q Tonic is so delicious, why should it just be used with gin?

My favorite of the night was the Rye Teq Cocktail No. 1. I am such a fan of Tequila and think, along with Rye it is poised to take up much more of this new cocktail market. So the two of them together was just Divine..and powerful!


(ri)se and Fall

2 oz. (ri)1 Rye Whiskey
1 tsp. maple syrup
3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
3 oz. Q Tonic
Directions: Build directly in highball glass, add ice, and stir briefly.
Garnish: home-made marinated NY sour cherries

Rye Teq Cocktail No. 1

1 oz. (ri)1 Rye Whiskey
1 oz. Tres Generaciones Anejo (El Tesoro works nicely, too)
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. Benedictine
3 dashes Bittermen’s chocolate bitters
1 dash Regan’s orange bitters
Demerara syrup to taste
Directions: Shake ingredients and strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish: orange twist

Manhattan (The Jerry Thomas version)

1 tsp. maraschino liqueur
1 1/2 oz. (ri)1
1 1/2 oz. Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Boker’s Bitters
Directions: Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish: lemon twist