Day 17: Dracula's Lament
Some days, we just need a good laugh. Welcome to the seventeenth day of exile here at shakerofspirits.com. I was watching the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall the other day, and I've always loved the scene where Jason Segel sings the song "Dracula's Lament" from his vampire musical. I knew this had to be a cocktail, and what better time than when we are most in need of a laugh.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall focuses on a musician, played by Segel, who sets out on a journey of self discovery in the midst of a brutal breakup. All ready set in Hawaii, the film has the perfect backdrop for some tropical drink inspiration. There's even a scene where Segel downs several island libations at the hotel bar. Through many twists and turns, he befriends one of the hotel employees, leading to his performance of a song from his "Dracula Musical" he's been writing. The opening line "it's getting kind of hard to believe things are going to get better" felt a tad too appropriate for how a lot of us are probably feeling. There just doesn't seem to be a very bright light at the end of that tunnel. Maybe this cocktail can help for now.
Dracula's Lament
1.5oz Bourbon (My preference on this one is Wild Turkey Rare Breed, but I think any quality bourbon would work well. Just lean more towards those with a higher proof for the sake of flavor.)
.25oz Overproof Jamaican Rum (The usual suspects of course. If it's 63% and from the island, it'll do in this application.)
.5oz Cynar
.5oz Hibiscus Syrup
.5oz Don's Spices #2 (Equal parts vanilla syrup and allspice dram.)
.75oz Lime Juice
1oz Pineapple Juice
1oz Guava Nectar (Most grocery stores tend to carry either Goya or Jumex.)
Glass Skull
Whip shake with crushed ice.
Pour unstrained and top with crushed ice.
Garnish with pineapple fronds, dehydrated orange, and flower.
Hibiscus Syrup
Combine equal parts hibiscus tea with sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
"It's getting kind of hard to believe
things are going to get better."
"I'm still trying to shake off the pain from the lessons I've learned." It's funny how things that used to matter so much to us, seem so trivial now. As tough as things are now, maybe it will bring us all together a bit more than usual. I hope this number helps bring a smile to your face. Sometimes, what we really need is a good laugh, especially when it's with those close to you. I'm going to watch some more comedies today. I think that's a good plan. Keep shaking everyone; I'll see you all tomorrow.