Cooper

The COOPER is a combo of Irish whiskey, St-Germain elderflower liqueur and a hint of Laphroaig scotch. It’s a “tasty and tough” cocktail pour from the ingenious folks at one of Pittsburgh’s popular Strip District restaurants, Bar Marco. Recipe is courtesy of Andrew Heffner and Justin Steel of Bar Marco in Pittsburgh, and Phil Ward of Death & Company, NYC.

Requirements: Irish whiskey (Redbreast Single Pot Still preferred), St-Germain liqueur, Laphroaig single malt scotch, grapefruit (or orange) bitters, lemon twist

• 2 oz. Irish whiskey
• 1 oz. Laphroaig
• 1/2 oz St-Germain liqueur
• 1 dash grapefruit (or orange) bitters
• 1 twist of lemon

Rinse the interior of a rocks glass with Laphroaig, pouring out (or drinking) any excess. Stir the other ingredients in a mixing glass and strain into the rinsed rocks glass. Sprinkle the oil from a lemon peel into the glass, then rub along the rim. A fresh lemon twist may be used as garnish.

Comments: I’m not sure how the thinking behind this recipe evolved from Irish whiskey to adding a touch of Scottish peat to adding elderflower liqueur and then the dash of grapefruit bitters; but if you’ve not tried it, you should. Cheers!