Day 49: The Way of the Sith
Yoda shook his head, feeling uneasy. "Always two there are, no more no less. A master and an apprentice." Mace Windu looked at the Jedi master and asked, "But which was destroyed, the master or the apprentice?" I lifted my gaze up from the TV screen and thought to myself, "Why does this make me think of bartending!?"
Welcome back thirsty readers, and May the Fourth be with You! Even though it's not Star Wars Sunday, I knew I couldn't miss a chance for another reference to my favorite fandom. Taking cues from the dark side, today's cocktail brings flavors from the dark Sith lords of old.
During the Hundred-Year Darkness, a rogue Jedi founded the Order of the Sith. Fighting the Jedis, they harnessed the power of the dark side of the Force, becoming extremely powerful. It was their power and greed, which would be their own undoing.
Fighting among one another, the Sith weakened their forces, allowing the Jedis to defeat them. The sole-surviving Sith was Darth Bane. Having seen the greed of the Siths destroy their order, Bane created the Rule of Two, stating there would be only a master and an apprentice, two Sith lords at a time. The apprentice would then destroy his master, before taking the next apprectice. Therefore, fighting among Sith could not take place.
This reminds me a lot of the restaurant and bar industry in a way. In a quest to be the best, so many talented individuals quarrel with one another, tearing each other down. I never understood this. I suppose the ways of the Jedi out-weigh the dark side in my order. I've certainly never felt the need to slay my master, in order to find my own apprentice. Let's just hope none of mine destroy me.
All joking aside though, mentorship is very important. I've always seen the restaurant world as the last true meritocracy. Either you can cook, or you can't cook. Either you can make the drinks how you said you could, or you can't hack it here. Without giving away our knowledge and experience, our craft would die completely. Many years ago, I was told by a much more seasoned bartender than I, that it's our duty to "give our knowledge away." When the world starts rolling again, I'm looking forward to seeing who can still harness the power of the Force.
The Way of the Sith
1.5oz Espadin Mezcal
.25oz 151 Proof Demerara Rum
.75oz Contratto Vermouth Rosso
.5oz Brown Sugar Chipotle Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Double Old Fashioned Glass
Stir with large ice cube.
Express and garnish with Orange Peel
Brown Sugar Chipotle Syrup
2 cups Brown Sugar
2 cups Water
3 Dried Chipotle Peppers
Simmer for 10 minutes and remove from heat.
Allow to steep, then strain.
Harnessing the power of spicy peppers, mezcal, and overproof rum, this should make you feel like a powerful Sith lord yourself. Through passion, we gain strength. Through strength, we gain power. Through power, we gain victory, and there is always power in numbers, my friends. I'm hoping we all come out of this with a better appreciation for each other. I know I certainly appreciate all of you. Until next time, keep shaking.