The Secret Catch by Ivy Mix

Just in time for the holiday season arrives “The Secret Catch”, a delicious cocktail to enjoy while sneaking your way into the Secret Base or just sitting by the fire.  This decadent egg nog evokes a dense and nutty fruit cake, as intended by its creator Ivy Mix of Brooklyn’s Leyenda by incorporating sweet sherry.  Mix was nominated this year for Best American Bartender of the Year.  

Aged rum works incredibly well, too. Don't forget the fresh nutmeg!

The original recipe calls for aged cachaça, a sugar cane based spirit popular in such cocktails as the Brazilian Caiphirinia. I substituted an aged rum, another sugar cane based spirit which keeps the recipe close to its intentions.  After all, you well know I am quite fond of aged rum.  The Secret Catch is rich, warm, spiced and luscious.  It may be the best egg nog I’ve ever had.  These could be quite dangerous on a cold night by the fire or at your next holiday gathering.  To be entirely safe, you should test them out ahead of time.  A few times.  Here’s to a cozy fire, a sumptuous cocktail (you deserve it), a lovely puzzle box and the start of the holiday season.  Cheers.

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The Secret Catch by Ivy Mix:

11/2 oz aged cachaça

½ oz Pedro Ximenez sherry

¾ oz heavy cream

½ orgeat

¼ oz cinnamon syrup

1 fresh egg yolk (pasteurized if preferred)

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Dry shake (no ice) all ingredients then shake with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with grated nutmeg