BLT

We need something to drink with our lunch. Bill’s “Sandwich” puzzle box inspired me to create something apropos as well.  I present to you the “BLT”.  I found a few versions of this cocktail out there which were either a variation of the Bloody Mary or a clever acronym which had nothing to do with the sandwich (bourbon, lemon, tonic – which does sound delicious).  I wanted to make an actual bacon, lettuce and tomato cocktail, which retained the essential flavors and tasted good somehow.  I’m not sure how well I succeeded but it was fun trying.  

The BLT Cocktail

A hugely popular trend in mixology emerged about ten years ago called “fat washing”.  It was started by Don Lee, a bartender at New York’s iconic PDT bar (Please Don’t Tell). Lee infused bourbon with bacon fat and created the famous “Benton’s Bacon Old Fashioned” which caused a sensation at the time.  That sounded like a great place to start. I made bacon fat washed bourbon for the BLT, and used Weller’s Special Reserve, a smooth wheated bourbon, for the “bread” and bacon aspects.  I used an heirloom tomato syrup, which gives the drink a sweet tomato flavor while avoiding the overpowering effects of actual tomato juice. The lettuce comes in as a bit of muddled arugula, which lends pepper spice too. Shake it all up and enjoy it with a fresh BLT on some Texas toast while trying to turn this puzzle box into an “open-faced” sandwich.  Thanks Bill, and Cheers!

Go ahead, it's completely healthy ...

The BLT

2 oz bacon fat washed bourbon (such as Wellers)

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 oz heirloom tomato syrup

Dash of salt and pepper tinctures

2 dashes celery bitters

Pinch of baby arugula leaves

Gently muddle the arugula with the tomato syrup.  Add the remaining ingredients and shake vigorously with ice.  Double strain into a favorite glass over a large cube. Crumble crispy bacon over it for your very best friends.

A pair of atypical sandwiches, and "Both Look Terrific"!