I’m toasting this impressive achievement in mechanical design and multimedia woodcraft production with an old fashioned cocktail that embraces the same pioneer spirit. The drink comes from the Raines Law Room, an elegant craft cocktail bar in New York City by award winning bartender Meaghan Dorman that evokes a prior era in a sophisticated parlor. The Raines Law, a liquor tax, was passed in 1896 New York in an effort to curb the consumption of alcohol. In addition to the tax, it prohibited the sale of alcohol on Sunday, except inside a hotel. Saloons began to take advantage of this loophole by adding a few “guest rooms” in the back or upstairs. Dorman’s modern homage to that era naturally sits inside of a hotel.

The drink is an “Old Fashioned”, that original classic mix of spirit (usually rye whiskey), sugar, bitters and ice. In this example, the rye is cut with a little apple brandy, which accents the flavor and is a nice touch for the season. Orgeat, and almond syrup, lends a twist on the more traditional brown sugar, and goes well with rye and apple. Angostura bitters are extremely classic, and hard to beat for the season as well, full of baking spice and warm notes. Here’s to embracing the Pioneer Spirit! Cheers.

Pioneer Spirit by Meaghan Doorman

 1 ½ oz rye

½ oz Applejack

2 barspoons orgeat

2 dashes angostura bitters

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass over a large cube. Orange twist.

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