Smokra Stack Lightning: The Healer FireCider

One of the many perks of working with Rick's Picks is the creative partnerships we find ourselves involved in. Our friends at Bespoke Post, curators of custom subscription gift boxes, decided to select Rick's Picks Smokra to be a part of their November BOX OF AWESOME. Say no more, right?!? Well, to add to the excitement the great guys at Bespoke Post asked me to come up with a cocktail that ties the box together. This month's BOX OF AWESOME includes: Natural Slate Serving Board, Manzanillo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Barrel-Aged 18-yr Style Balsamic Vinegar, Rick's Picks Smokra, Casalingo Handcrafted Italian Salami, and for your sweet tooth, buffalo Trace Bourbon Brittle.

 

Keeping it Real Disclosure: I now know I can be stranded on a deserted island with nothing more than a bottle of bourbon, and a jar of Smokra! Everything will be just fine (until I'm rescued!)! Imagine: The modestly spicy love child of a dirty martini, and a whiskey sour. A Keeper!! If you listen closely between sips, you'll hear Howlin' Wolf Sang ....

  

Ah, oh, smokestack lightning
Shinin', just like gold
Why don't ya hear me cryin'?
Ah, whoo hoo, ooh...
Whoo...

 Recipe makes 1 cocktail, but double. triple. it all works out well!
The Method

3 oz Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon
1 Jar of Rick's Picks Smokra, drained, pickled okra and brine reserved separately
1 1/2 oz of Rick's Picks Smokra brine with smoked paprika well blended
zest of 1/2 lemon
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz grade A maple syrup
Ice
Shaker
Small Mesh Strainer
The Madness

Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add bourbon, Smokra brine (be sure to get all the good smoked paprika bits),
maple syrup, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass using fine mesh strainer. Garnish with
Smokra, halves.