Behind The Stick: Autumn Jam Cocktail At SmallBar Division

By Staff in Food on Nov 12, 2012 7:00PM

In restaurants, the relationship between the front-of-the-house (servers/bar) and the back-of-the-house (kitchen) can sometimes be somewhat tenuous. Sure, each group works together to serve their clientele, but usually there is not much chance for collaboration when coming up with new dishes or drinks. That is why it is refreshing to see, in today's video, the collaboration forged between Chef Justin White and Beverage Director Craig Hiljus at SmallBar-Division. Craig approached Justin to create a house-made jam that could be utilized for a fall-themed cocktail. From that conversation, they started working on what would become a delicious butternut squash jam. At first glance, a jam made from squash may seem like an odd choice for a cocktail, but this "autumn jam" gives the drink a pleasant, silky mouthfeel that works harmoniously with the other ingredients.

This isn't the first time that Chef White and Craig have made a jam like this. They have also worked together to make other jams like a blueberry-lavender, apple, pumpkin, and cranberry that have been utilized in past cocktails.

Mom and dad may have told you to eat your vegetables when you were a kid. Now, you can tell them you are drinking them (you don't have to mention the rye that goes with it).

By Paul Leddy