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Whoever created this bittersweet drink is clearly in league with Beelzebub himself – it's devilishly good. With rich bourbon, a hint of smoky mezcal...
No Lucano so used Noveis Antico Amaro instead. Lots of red amaro alternatives here. To make things more interesting I replaced the bourbon with Suntory, which posed less competition to the mezcal. Also threw a lemon twist into the shaker and one into the glass to combat the anticipated sweetness. Sweet, but not too sweet. Nutmeg is a nice touch.
Used Evan Williams bonded, Siete Misterios joven, Amaro Lucano, Giffard Orgeat, and Meyer lemon juice. Like Cameron, I thought this was only slightly smoky. The complexity to me is rather subtle. Haven't had much experience with Meyer lemons, but I don't think they're ideal here. (29 Mar 2023, 2:09p)
Meyer lemons are a cross between oranges and lemons and tend to have a rather bitter, ‘medicinal’ quality to them. Not fresh, clean, zingy lemon. Horses for courses. They make a very good marmalade btw.
Very, very good. I made a version to the original specs, with Elijah Craig and subbing Averna for Lucano, then another one with Espolon Anejo instead of the bourbon. Between that tequila's very whiskey-like qualities and its affinity for almond flavor, it worked out very nicely
Unlike the other comments I did use amara Lucano after buying a miniature bottle in Venice and it was a very well balanced, only slightly smoky drink with plenty of complexity.
Like another reader, I substituted Averna for the Lucano. This is a caramel-colored drink, definitely not apricot-hued as in the image. Really liked it, will likely swap the orgeat and lemon proportions next time I try it. Nutmeg is a brilliant garnish here.
Anonymous
19th September 2020 at 13:10
Fantastic ! Really exciting combination, quite a nice evolution with amaro herbaciousness, bourbon cherryish sweetness and tamed smoke from the mezcal.
Substituted Vecchio Amaro del Capo for Lucano - worked great for me.
Anonymous
30th August 2020 at 19:20
Fanatastic Drink. Substituted Averna for Lucano (used Knob Creek and VIDA). Best Whiskey Sour twist I tried so far.