Sherry Cocktail: The Ruse

At Julep in Houston, Alba Huerta’s ode to Southern drinking, the emphasis is on hospitality—and every good host knows how to tell a good story. This cocktail is inspired by a tale about a Civil War battle, in which a single general in Galveston held the Union navy at bay with only one cannon and a bunch of logs painted black.

1 oz. Palo Cortado sherry
¾ oz. 80-proof bourbon
¾ oz. amaro, such as Averna
¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
½ oz. orgeat
½ oz. rich simple syrup (2:1)
1 dash Regans’ orange bitters, for topping off
Tools: barspoon
Glass: Collins
Garnish: Half an orange wheel, fresh mint leaf

Pour the sherry, bourbon, amaro, lemon juice, orgeat, syrup and bitters in the glass. Fill the glass three-quarters full with crushed ice. Stir with a barspoon until the outside of the glass is frosted. Top with crushed ice and garnish.

Reprinted with permission from Julep: Southern Cocktails Refashioned by Alba Huerta and Marah Stets. Copyright 2018. Published by Lorena Jones Books. 

Did you enjoy this recipe? Sign up for our newsletter and get our favorite drink recipes of the moment in your inbox every month.