A Shan
Steven
Dustin
SECRET INGREDIENT
ROUND 1
mulberries
Caramel syrup, lemon juice, raspberry liqueur, crème de cassis, Havana Club rum, Monin caramel syrup, and mulberries A Shan
Wild elderflower syrup, Chardonnay, Belvedere vodka, mulberries, and soda water
Steven
Rum, Scotch whiskey, crème de cassis, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and mulberries, garnished with lemon and mulberry Dustin
Verdict: Li enjoyed all of the drinks, but it was Steven’s that highlighted the fresh mulberry. Raspberry liqueur overpowered A Shan’s drink, and mustard took over in Dustin’s. SECRET INGREDIENT
ROUND 2
mayonnaise and/ or almond milk
Monin almond syrup, D i s a ro n n o l i q u e u r, Laphroaig Scotch whiskey, and almond milk, garnished with a cherry, lemon peel, and mint leaves
Talisker Scotch whiskey, Bailey’s, and almond milk, garnished with olives covered in mayonnaise and pepper
A Shan
Steven
Lemon juice, amaro digestive bitters, Patron tequila, mayonnaise, and simple syrup, garnished with pickle and chili and salted rim Dustin
Verdict: Dustin managed to use mayonnaise to produce a winning, creamy, well balanced beverage. Li gave Steven credit for creating a clever, albeit unusual, garnish.
SECRET INGREDIENT
ROUND 3
canned pumpkin
Vodka, Scotch whiskey, Averna bitters, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, Angostura bitters, and cloves
Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey, port, Galliano, ginger, and pepper, garnished with ginger
47
Vodk a, rum, simple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
February 2015
Verdict: A Shan and Steven created similar cocktails with spicy notes, and a little salt would have made these pumpkin drinks pop. Dustin won the round with his boozy dessert (heavy on the booze!).