Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/488317
A Rich History: LICOR 43 LICOR 43, the most recognized international Spanish liqueur and one with an ever-growing presence here in the States, is made in Cartagena, a Mediterranean city on Spain's southern coast. Its origins can be traced back to an ancient formula— one of many rich elixirs—that is said by locals to offer longevity. The name LICOR 43 is derived from the original 43 ingredients in the recipe, consisting of choice fruits and herbs from the Mediterranean basin. Currently, the secret formula is known by only three people from different generations of the family. With a seductive bouquet and vanilla-citrus essence, LICOR 43's unique flavor profile makes it extremely versatile in an array of cocktails. Our Panel's Notes: "The spirit has great balance and is delicious, and I think this cocktail is the best of the day! I love the use of the foam." —Matthew Doerr "I really like Licor 43—it's amazing in Margaritas! This cocktail is cool and very tiki; great use of garnish and raspberry float." —Peter Kasperski "One of my favorite sweet mixers! The cocktail is very perfumey and nicely done." —Richie Moe American Fire: BOOKER'S TRUE BARREL BOURBON Inspired by a 200-year-old tradition, Booker's True Barrel Bourbon—from Jim Beam Brands—is the first bourbon bottled straight from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered. Made for the true spirit connoisseur, every sip of this small batch bourbon is a testament to the hard work that has gone into each bottle. It's bottled at its natural proof of between 121 and 127, and aged between six and eight years. Booker's flavor profile is fiery and dense with spice and smoke, leading to a long caramel finish. This is one rare bourbon that you will not forget. Our Panel's Notes: "Truly a great bourbon with rich caramel and a hint of banana ester. Undiluted gold! The cockail's nose is reminiscent of the barrel charring process, and the duck fat really softens the bourbon." —Aaron DeFeo "Booker's is everything you expect from a barrel-proof whiskey! The cocktail has great balance for using a high-proof bourbon. Unique ingredients all come together nicely!" —Matthew Doerr "Booker's is classic and wildly mixable! Luke is the smoking gun! This cocktail is ridiculous— the use of quina and tobacco is crazy inspired! And duck fat, what?!" — Peter Kasperski Traveler's Tango ◗ 1½ oz. Tropical Tea Infused Luksusowa Vodka ◗ ½ oz. LICOR 43 ◗ 2 oz. fresh pineapple sour* ◗ Topped with raspberry foam** ◗ 2 pineapple leaves garnish ◗ Build ingredients in tin, shake and strain over ice in Hurricane glass. Top with foam and pineapple leaves. * Pineapple juice, lemon juice, lime juice and sugar ** Raspberries, sugar, water and LICOR 43 Smoke & a Tickle by Luke Detraz, Mixologist/ Spirits Specialist, Southern Wine & Spirits of Arizona ◗ 2 oz. duck-fat infused Booker's Bourbon ◗ 1 oz. Maurin Quina ◗ ¼ oz. Amargo Vallet ◗ ¼ oz. brown rice syrup ◗ 2 dashes chili coffee bitters ◗ Orange peel garnish ◗ In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients, add ice and stir. Strain into a rocks glass. Place drink under vase and smoke the glass. Garnish with an orange peel. Ian Nelssen, Spirits Specialist, Southern Wine & Spirits of Arizona.