From the moment I learned of the existence of the Fibonacci Box, I knew what I would have in hand to raise a toast to it when the time came. Paul MacDonald is a celebrated bartender who manages the drinks program at Philadelphia’s Friday Saturday Sunday. Paul has garnered some additional fame over the past few years thanks to his “Fibonacci” cocktails, a formula for building cocktails he pioneered and perfected. You may recognize the term, since I have featured a few of Paul’s Fibonacci cocktails previously for other opportune toasts. There are many classic cocktail formulas, considering the ratios for base spirit and modifiers to create proper balance in the drink. Paul’s formula for these special cocktails follows the Fibonacci sequence by using a ratio of 1:1:2:3:5 in the five ingredients.

For this festive season I wanted to use one of Paul’s holiday tthemed drinks, and in fact had planned for this pairing to be offered a bit earlier, but select your favorite saying about man’s plans and insert here. Not to worry, the Cocktail is called “The War on Christmas” so perhaps it’s best to have our jollies behind us now anyway. The drink is a fascinating reflection on the familiar Negroni formula, although truly nothing like that classic. Scandinavian aquavit, full of caraway and herbal flavors, takes center stage, and is modified and augmented by two very nice Italian amaros. Sercial madeira is a very dry type of wine which helps dry the drink out, and a touch of orange liqueur reminds you that it is still the holidays after all. The drink is an elegant and sophisticated contemplation of the season that is anything but formulaic.

Wishing everyone a good new year. Cheers.

War on Christmas by Paul MacDonald

1 ¼ oz Brennivin Aquavit

¾ oz Cardamaro

½ oz Rare Wine Co. Charleston Sercial Madeira

¼ oz JM Creole Shrubb

¼ Amaro Ramazotti

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

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