To commemorate its 50th year, Visit Baton Rouge has introduced a cocktail in hopes of keeping the celebration alive for many years to come. Created by Aaron Bertrand of the Bourbon Society of Baton Rouge, the Capital Cocktail is a bourbon-based cocktail that ties in a taste of Baton Rouge by using Louisiana molasses and honey.
INGREDIENTS
50/50 honey and blackstrap molasses
Blackberries
Blackberry lemon twist (for garnish)
2.5oz Fistful of Bourbon
0.5-0.75oz honey, lemon or ginger simple syrup*
0.5-0.75oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
Orange bitters
*May vary based on bourbon proof. Cocktail & Sons makes a pre-mixed honey/ginger simple syrup that can be found at neighborhood specialty grocers.
DIRECTIONS
Using a condiment dispenser, spread the honey/molasses blend in a striped pattern around the inside of a cocktail glass.
Muddle 1 blackberry in the bottom then fill glass with crushed ice and set aside.
In a cocktail shaker, blend the bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Shake with ice and pour in glass.
Smoke briefly with fruit-based smoking wood (cherry or pear, preferably)**
Garnish with lemon blackberry twist.
Enjoy responsibly!
**Optional
Order the Capital Cocktail at the following establishments:
Churchill's Cigar Shop
DoubleTree by Hilton - Baton Rouge
Drago's Seafood Restaurant - Baton Rouge
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
Marriott Hotel River Rouge Kitchen & Bar
Phil's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
Portobello's Italian Grill - George O'Neal Road
Portobello's Italian Grill - Old Hammond Highway
Springhill Suites Baton Rouge South