The Lush Chef

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and if you're looking to serve something besides beer, up your game by offering this Safe Kicker Cocktail.  Not only is the name appropriate for the big day, but it's a whiskey drink that will appeal to both gals and guys.  It has a slight sweetness and tang, and has an incredibly smooth and balanced taste.  This recipe from Liquor.com calls for Cara Cara orange juice, but feel free to use any kind of fresh squeezed orange juice.  If you don't have the Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters, use any kind of aromatic bitters you have (Angostura, Peychaud's, etc).  I opted for The Bitter Truth's Jerry Thomas' Own Decanter Bitters.  A little bit of egg white gives it a nice froth and texture.  You can improve that texture by dry-shaking the cocktail for about 15 seconds, which means shaking it without ice.  After you dry-shake, add in the ice, shake and strain.  You may not be a football pro, but you'll look like a cocktail pro.

Safe Kicker Cocktail

• 2 oz whiskey (I used Bulleit Rye Whiskey)
• 1 tsp apricot preserves
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz dry sherry
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters (I used Jerry Thomas' Own Decanter Bitters by The Bitter Truth)
• 1 dash egg white
• Orange twist and maraschino cherries (I used Luxardo) for garnish.

- Add all the ingredients in a shaker without ice, and dry-shake for about 15 seconds.
- Add ice and shake again.
- Double strain into an Old Fashioned Glass.
- On a toothpick, spear 3 cherries and the orange peel and add as a garnish.