Rocket Science

Rocket Science by T Cole Newton

Our toast to this rocket takes us to the Crescent City. Bartender T Cole Newton arrived in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to help the city rebuild. He found his place behind the bar and is the successful and award winning owner of Twelve Mile Limit. Last year he released his first book, “Cocktail Dive Bar: Real Drinks, Fake History & Questionable Advice from New Orleans’s Twelve Mile Limit.” Cole’s philosophy is on display in his bar and in his book, where he creates elevated and ingenious cocktails but eschews pretention. I love his comment that “A good cocktail now is better than a perfect cocktail in 10 minutes,” which pretty much sums up how I act behind the scenes, when no one is looking at my ridiculous garnish art.

it’s not exactly rocket science … except, it is

In Newton’s book he describes a particularly tasty cocktail by downplaying it – “making cocktails isn’t rocket science”. No, it definitely is not, and while there are plenty of elevated, culinary level and even molecular chemistry related techniques in use at fancy cocktail bars, the end product is still just a drink meant to be enjoyed by someone. If it takes you to the moon and the stars, maybe you’ve had one too many! I’ve swapped the Canadian whiskey for a spicy rye in mine, as suggested by well known Boston bartender Fred Yarm. Here’s to the humble humans who lift our spirits beyond our imagination while keeping their feet firmly planted on the ground. Cheers!

This pair will take you places

Rocket Science by T Cole Newton

1 oz Canadian whiskey

½ oz Averna

¼ oz Fernet Branca

¼ oz simple syrup

½ oz lime

Shake ingredients together with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with a lime wedge (or lime wheel rocket).