Apr 28, 2023
Bottoms Up – Navesink Old Fashion
May, the last full month of spring, has finally arrived. With longer days come later sunsets. Spring is walking in the sun on the boardwalk before the summer crowd rolls. An ideal, much-needed break from everyday stresses comes when sitting on the porch in the slight breeze of the night.
Similar to a day in May, there is no better way to enjoy this in-between season than a sweet yet smokey finish to a long day. This request was answered at 26 West on the Navesink with its new Navesink Old Fashion. Starting mid-May, this window on the river staple will be introducing its new summer cocktail menu, featuring this well-rounded drink.
While the combination may sound odd to some, there is a science behind this madness. Chocolate and tequila are a match made in heaven. The chocolate smooths out the tequila’s bite while also playing off the agave, creating a smokey flavor. To create balance, the orange brings out the tequila’s sweetness. The Navesink Old Fashion will refresh you from your long days out in the sun while also keeping you warm into those breezy nights.
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 oz. reposado tequila
- 3 dashes of chocolate bitters
- 2 slices of fresh orange
- 2 Starlino cherries
- Orange peel for garnish
- Mezcal-soaked Starlino cherry for garnish
- How to: pour mezcal over Starlino cherries, enough to cover. Let the cherries soak overnight.
Instructions:
- Muddle the orange slices and Starlino cherries.
- By muddling the fruit, the flavors come flourish. Every sip will contain the perfect mix of all the ingredients.
- Add chocolate bitters to the muddled fruit.
- Shake the muddled mixture with the reposado tequila.
- Pour cocktail over one large ice cube.
- The single large ice cube not only slows dilution but also allows the drink’s natural aromas to open more.
- Add orange peel and mezcal soaked cherry to a toothpick as garnish.
