Bufala Negra

Bourbon and fresh basil meet the tart and tangy cocktail from H. Harper Station barman Jerry Slater combining balsamic syrup and ginger beer.

1 1/2 oz. bourbon
4 fresh basil leaves
1 brown sugar cube
1/2 oz. balsamic syrup (see below)
2 oz. ginger beer
Ice cubes
Tools: muddler, shaker, strainer
Glass: Old Fashioned
Garnish: fresh basil leaf

Muddle the balsamic syrup, basil and sugar cube in a mixing tin. Add bourbon and ice and shake hard. Strain over fresh ice cubes into an Old Fashioned. Top with ginger beer and garnish with basil leaf.

Balsamic Syrup

Combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup simple syrup (1:1) in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for one minute, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Jerry Slater, H. Harper Station, Atlanta

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