Kevin Elliott shares this Memorial Day Weekend cocktail he named Simpson’s Honor in memory of the first American combat casualty. William Simpson was a Pennsylvania rifleman who enlisted in General Washington’s Continental Army in 1775.
Need
2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whisky
1 tsp Moroccan Preserved Meyer Lemon Paste
¾ oz of honey ginger syrup*
(Meyer) lemon slice for garnish
Do
Mix all the ingredients in a tall glass with a little ice and stir to chill. Strain it into a glass and drop in a lemon slice to garnish.
Toast
To William Simpson and all brave patriots who have followed him.
Notes
*Honey syrup is easy to make. Mix equal parts (about ¼ cup) honey and water in a small saucepan. I added a little less than half a teaspoon of ground ginger to flavor it. Some fresh sliced or grated ginger would have been grand, but I was lazy.
Bring it just to a simmer for about a minute, stir it and turn off the heat and let it cool completely. The flavor improves as it cools.
You can store it in a jar in the fridge if you haven’t used it all for the drinks. Or you can just buy it at a decent liquor store…! - Kevin
