Cocktail of the Month: Nearest Exit/Route 79

OVERVIEW

U.S. Route 79 is officially labeled as a north-south highway. However, it is actually more diagonal and connects Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky. The “Nearest Exit/Route 79” cocktail is inspired by my love of travel and road trips, as well as by the journey from Tennessee and Texas (along with an ode to Uncle Nearest himself). Road trips are always fun, so let’s take a quick trip from Texas to Tennessee and back.

Initially, I had reservations about using Uncle Nearest whiskey in cocktails, as I felt that I would not do this treasure any justice by using it in a mixed drink. However, the Nearest Exit / Route 79 cocktail attempts to elevate and compliment the whiskey’s caramel notes and heavier body (1856 is a 100 proof version of the spirit) with the smoothness of jasmine liqueur and honey syrup. The floral bitters provide just the right amount of balance for an enjoyable cocktail.

1.5 ounce whiskey (Uncle Nearest 1856)

 .5 ounce jasmine liqueur (Violet Crown)

.75 ounce south Texas Huajillo honey syrup

.75 ounce lemon juice

9 dashes efflorescent bitters

2 mint sprigs

PREPARATION

Add a sprig of mint and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle the mint for 5-6 turns. Add Uncle Nearest whiskey, jasmine liqueur, bitters and fresh squeezed lemon juice to the cocktail shaker and fill with ice. SHAKE and double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

ALTERNATIVE(S)

There are two possible changes to this cocktail that would make for interesting substitutions. The first option would be to change the partnering spirit. The same company (Violet Crown) which produces the jasmine liqueur also makes an elderflower spirit. Elderflower liqueur has its own unique, perfume-like smell and sweetness, and Violet Crown’s elderflower liqueur (or the more well known St. Germain) could be a suitable alternative. Another option (albeit subtle) would be to change the type of bitters used in this cocktail. Given that bitters are typically used to provide balance in a cocktail, switching to more citrus-based bitters could provide an additional touch of acidity.

SOMETHING EXTRA

Check out the 25 Great Whiskey Cocktails article from A Couple Cooks for a solid list of whiskey-based cocktails (traditional and modern classics).