
People who take their drinks seriously often shudder at the words “beer cocktail.’’ (Perhaps the idea triggers suppressed memories of that offensively named “Irish Car Bomb’’ ritual.) But every time I convince someone to try a well-conceived beer-spiked cocktail, he becomes a believer. Suds are best used in cocktails in small amounts, to enhance or lengthen a flavor or texture. At Hops N Scotch in Brookline, a drink called A Splash of Sunshine helps make the case. Bartender Nicole O’Keefe designed the drink on a foundation of Privateer Amber Rum, which she fortifies with a full-bodied, vanilla-tinged amaro. Lemon juice provides the acid to temper the sweetness, and a Belgian-style wheat beer comes in at the end, offering fizz that stretches out and enlivens the citrus note. In the right hands, the use of beer in a mixed drink is neither a gimmick nor a sin.
A SPLASH OF SUNSHINE
Makes 1 drink
1½ ounces Privateer Amber Rum (or another aged rum)
½ ounce Amaro Montenegro
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup (add ¼ cup sugar to ¼ cup water and stir until integrated)
1 ounce Allagash White (or another Belgian-style wheat beer)
1 lemon wheel for garnish
1. Into a shaker over ice, pour rum, Amaro Montenegro, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
2. Strain into a Belgian beer glass over ice.
3. Top with beer.
Adapted from Hops N Scotch
Liza Weisstuch can be reached at liza.weisstuch@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @livingtheproof.