The Lush Chef

No, I'm not referring to American director Ken Burns' stunning trilogy on Prohibition, but to a modern cocktail that very well could have hailed from that time.  This simple drink was introduced to me by a good friend who first had it at The Varnish, but it actually originated from the head barman Michael McIlroy at the members-only Milk & Honey in New York.  It's an American twist on an Old Fashioned and makes me think of the fall.  McIlroy recommends using 100 proof, bonded Applejack, but use whatever you have (we're not running a professional bar here, and 80 proof will do ya just fine).  I'm also a huge fan of Bulleit's (pronounced "bullet" not "boo-lay" - it's American, not French) fairly new rye whiskey because it's reasonably priced and great for mixing in cocktails.  Save the expensive stuff for sipping neat or plain on the rocks... 

American Trilogy - serves 1
Ingredients:

• 1 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz Applejack
• Brown sugar cube
• 1/2 tsp soda water (or just water is fine)
• 4 dashes orange bitters (I like using Fee Brothers) 
• orange twist

- Put sugar cube in the glass, add orange bitters and soda water and muddle all together.
- Add the rye and Applejack.
-  Fill glass with ice and stir.
- Garnish with an orange twist.