Day 8: Man O War

Just like a Portuguese war ship under full sail, ocean-goers should steer clear from the sting of the Man O War. Hey there thirsty readers, how are you holding up today? I was recently watching news reports about beaches still being full of spring-breakers, despite the social-distancing orders. I don't know about you, but this news really didn't sit well with me. I found myself hoping some type of sea creature would absolutely terrify them back to their dorm rooms, so we could go back to our lives a little sooner. Unfortunately, a sea creature cocktail will have to do instead.

Usually referred to as a jellyfish, the man o' war is actually a siphonophore, another type of invertebrate closely related to the jellyfish. They have tentacles, sometimes measuring up to 100 feet, containing microscopic capsules loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans. They aren't usually lethal to humans, but the stings still really pack a punch. It goes without saying, the man o' war is one bad-ass floating being. Maybe it's just me, but sea creatures always remind me of tropical cocktails. Maybe its the fins or bright colors. Both of these things remind me of childhood and beach trips. I think that's maybe one of my earliest happy memories, the first time i saw the ocean. Something about sitting back and sipping on a tropical, rum-filled beverage evokes those nostalgic feelings. I think it's time for that drink. I originally made this one a few years back for a tiki bar where I worked. I couldn't have predicted it, but this became our best seller, even outselling the well known tiki classics on the menu. I guess I should never underestimate the menu power of tropical drinks with Bourbon. It's a no-brainer these days.

Man O War

1oz Bourbon (I originally made this cocktail with Angel's Envy, but I think any decent bourbon works well, especially the higher proof ones.)

1oz Lightly -Aged Overproof Jamaican Rum (I like doing a blend of 6 parts Appleton Reserve to 1 part Rum Fire)

.5oz Amaro Averna

1oz Fassionola (recipe posted earlier in earlier post Recipe to Follow: First Edition)

.75oz Lemon Juice

1oz Fresh Pineapple Juice

Double old Fashioned Glass

Whip shake with crushed ice.

Pour unstrained .

Garnish with mint sprigs and pineapple half moon (That's the man o' war sail!)

I hope everyone enjoys the Man O War. I'll finish off today with the original menu verbiage for this drink. "It'll fill your sails with wind, but beware, one too many will sink your ship." Have a great night everyone. Keep calm, and keep shaking.