The Barber Nocturne

(This is the first of a series of cocktail recipes that I'll post throughout the next several months. This recipe is for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly :)

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The Barber Nocturne

I created this autumnal drink while listening to the music of Samuel Barber — nostalgic, deep, earthy, sophisticated, melancholy, and distinctly American. Drink it while listening to his Violin Concerto, or his Cello Sonata, or his Essay, Op. 12… or if you dare, his famed Adagio for Strings. Or, simply enjoy it during the Thanksgiving season!

Although it features pumpkin puree, this drink is far from a dessert drink, being neither too sweet nor too spicy.

  • 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce pumpkin purée
  • 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
  • 1/2 ounce brown sugar simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Add ingredients and ice to a cocktail shaker, shake, and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with nutmeg if you're feeling fancy. Makes 1 drink.

Note: to make the brown sugar simple syrup, mix 2 parts brown sugar with 1 part water. Bring to a boil, then let cool before mixing it into the drink.

Note: 1/2 ounce = 1 tablespoon.