Gigantic Bar Fightin Joe Hooker blueberry cocktail

“Fighting Joe” Hooker Blueberry Whiskey Cocktail

Name: “Fighting Joe” Hooker Blueberry Whiskey Cocktail
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American

Recipe: Kris Kirkland , Gigantic Bar , Easthampton, Massachussetts

Photo: Ned King

August 18, 2023

A summer cocktail that celebrates the season’s blueberry bounty.

Created to celebrate the bounty of blueberries in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley during summertime, this blueberry whiskey cocktail mixes a high-proof rye whiskey with a smoky rhubarb amaro. It tastes like “a robust blueberry pie with rich bittersweet undertones,” says Ned King, bar manager of Gigantic Bar in Easthampton.

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. 100 proof rye whiskey (Gigantic Bar uses Rittenhouse)
3/4 oz. Sfumato amaro
3/4 oz. blueberry syrup
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
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Blueberry Syrup
500g blueberries
200g white sugar
200g water

Tools:shaker, strainer, fine-mesh strainer
Glass:double rocks
Garnish:mint and blueberries

Preparation

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, then double strain into a double rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish.

Blueberry SyrupAdd the sugar and blueberries to a saucepan and muddle gently. Add water to the pan and place on medium/low heat, stirring constantly. Once the sugar is dissolved and the blueberries are soft and incorporated, take off the heat and let cool. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and place in a container with a lid. Will keep in a refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.