Oscar Cocktails: Whiplash

This drink is part of my series of Oscar Cocktails inspired by the 2015 Academy Award nominees for Best Picture. See all of my Oscar Cocktails here.

How far are you willing to go to be the best? That's the question at the heart of Whiplash, a film about a music student (Miles Teller) with designs on being a great jazz drummer who clashes with his school's sadistic jazz conductor (J.K. Simmons). The film is nominated for 5 Oscars, including Best Picture and Supporting Actor (Simmons).

For the Whiplash cocktail, I wanted a bracing drink that's strong and spicy. Something to knock you off your game just like Simmons' jazz teacher does in the film. It's also garnished with two toothpicks, like drumsticks, the movie's bloodiest weapon.

Oscar Cocktails: Whiplash

1 1/2 oz. rye whiskey (Bulleit)
1 oz. mezcal (Del Maguey)
1/2 oz. orange liqueur (Cointreau)
1/2 oz. sweet vermouth (Dolin)
2 dashes Fee Brothers whiskey barrel-aged bitters
2 dashes Bittermens Hellfire habanero shrub
Stemmed cherry and two toothpicks, garnish

Combine whiskey, mezcal, orange liqueur, vermouth and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass. Add ice and stir until very cold. Strain into a chilled coupe. Pierce the cherry with the two toothpicks at an acute angle and stick in the glass.

Related

2015 Oscar Cocktails