The Graduate Number 2

Portland bartender Daniel Shoemaker is known for his delicious but complicated concoctions, but for our Four-Ingredient Challenge (check out his Graduate recipe in the May/June 2013 issue), he proved he’s a wiz with simple cocktails too. The only catch? It’s technically five ingredients, Shoemaker admits, but the Coke is optional.

1 1/2 oz. spiced rum
1 oz. sweet vermouth
1 barspoon fresh lemon juice
4 dashes Angostura bitters
½ oz. Coca-Cola (optional)
Tools: mixing glass, barspoon, strainer
Glass: cocktail
Garnish: orange peel 

Combine the first four ingredients and stir with ice to chill. Add Coca-Cola, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish.

Daniel Shoemaker, Teardrop Lounge, Portland, Oregon