American Trilogy is What We're Drinking on UMAMIMART

American Trilogy

There is nothing like an expertly crafted Old Fashioned-style cocktail to help you navigate the rapidly changing weather of late March. Since, it is not quite Gin Rickey weather and too warm for a Hot Toddy, a solid whiskey cocktail is just what the Doctor ordered. Now let’s take it to the next level in flavor, taste, and execution. Let me introduce you to the American Trilogy.

The American Trilogy is a cocktail created by barmen extraordinaire Richard Boccato and Michael McIlroy in 2007 at New York’s Little Branch. Trilogy channels the recipe for the old fashioned (spirit, sugar, bitters) and uses two base spirits instead of one. The clever combination unites two classic American liquors and a possible mystery ingredient that create a unique flavor that sets the cocktail apart from other old fashioned derivatives. E pluribus unum!

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Good-bye Summer!!

by Fredo

What can I say? I am not a huge fan of summer. Sure I love baseball, Tales of the Cocktail, Gin Rickeys, Long Beach Island, seersucker, bikinis, and what not, but the heat, especially here on the East Coast makes it unbearable by the end of July. So I bid summer adieu! Arrivederci! Adios! And see ya next year! I'm ready for Autumn!

Besides a relief from the humidity and heat, the end of summer lets me indulge in the Manhattan cocktail and her Brooklyn cousins. One of my favorite variations of the Manhattan is called The Greenpoint. This exquisite libation was developed by barkeep Michael McIlroy of Milk & Honey. It brings the herbal complexity of yellow Chartreuse into the Perfect Manhattan recipe by replacing the dry vermouth. Part perfect, part classic, The Greenpoint's taste is nothing but original. Last week, I was in Dutch Kills in Long Island City and broke my no Manhattans from Memorial Day to Labor Day rule! I had to with the man himself behind the bar. And it was so good, being so bad!

The Greenpoint
2 oz Rittenhouse 100 proof bonded Rye
1/2 oz Yellow Chartreuse
1/2 oz sweet vermouth
Dash orange bitters
Dash Angostura bitters
Lemon peel garnish

Combine ingredients over ice and stir. Let sit for a minute or so and stir again. Strain into frosted coupe, serve up and garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

Where to get it: Dutch Kills, White Star, and wherever Michael is behind the stick.

Salute!