Two years ago, I wrote about a cocktail I called the August Sunset, a summery gin concoction with a bright orange color courtesy of the Italian aperitif Aperol.
Aperol is my favorite Italian aperitif. I love its slightly bitter orange flavor and it's gorgeous color can turn just about any cocktail into a real looker.
The August Sunset was meant as an end-of-summer drink, so this June Sunrise is the flip side: a bracing, smoky drink inspired by the beginning of summer when it's time to break out the grills and spend more time outside.
The drink's smokiness comes from Laphroaig Scotch, a type of Islay Scotch Whisky known for its intense smokiness that I learned about from Carrie Allan's recent spirits column on smoky beverages. The scotch's smokiness is quite pronounced. It's markedly smokier than the Vida mezcal I've used in the past to make smoky drinks. Great stuff.
June Sunrise
2 oz. Laphroaig Scotch or other smoky Islay Scotch
1 oz. Aperol
2 or 3 dashes Fee Brothers whiskey barrel-aged bitters (may substitute Angostura bitters)
Lemon or orange peel garnish (optional, I'd have added one but I was out when I made this)
Combine the Scotch, Aperol and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until well chilled, about 20 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with lemon or orange peel, if desired.
Great stuff, indeed!
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