Behind The Stick: Follow The Seasons With Alex Renshaw At drumBAR

By Paul Leddy in Food on Sep 27, 2013 4:20PM

One of the aspects of cocktail making that bartenders need to be cognizant of is the seasonal appropriateness in the cocktails they offer.

For instance, the thought of having a Tom and Jerry cocktail (bourbon, milk, and a fluffy meringue batter) on a hot summer day would make most customers turn around and leave. Similarly, a bright refreshing cocktail that utilizes market-fresh berries would be out-of-place when the weather is below freezing outside.

Alex Renshaw recently took over the bar program at drumBAR and in addition to classic cocktails, he has added ten original cocktails that are focused on seasonality.

In today's video, Renshaw demonstrates The Yesterday's Gone cocktail. It is a perfect summer leading into fall cocktail. There is some of the summer brightness in the lime and bitters, but gets the fall richness from the rum and sherry.

Of course, this being Chicago, the seasons can be different from hour to hour on any given day. Renshaw and his fellow bartenders are ready, though, to make the last minute adjustments so you can have the perfect, seasonal cocktail.

Yesterday's Gone

1.5 ounces Atlantic Reserva Rum
0.75 ounce Lustau East India Sherry
0.5 ounce Cinnamon Syrup
0.75 ounce Lime juice
1 egg white
3-5 drops Fees Aztec Chocolate bitters

Add first five ingredients to a mixing glass and dry shake.
Add ice. Shake and fine strain.
Add the bitters to the top of the cocktail.