Austin, Texas is one of our favorite cities for hospitality, probably because they always stay true to their commitment to staying weird as a city. DrinkWell is an award-winning neighborhood cocktail bar & gastropub in Austin’s eclectic North Loop district that has been consistently been hailed as one of the best cocktail dens in the city.
DrinkWell bartender, Sam McCracken created a martini variation that is beautifully layered and complex mixing both Islay gin and scotch whisky. Sam shares, “It’s bracing, herbaceous and a bit exotic. The aim was to create something that was immersive and kind of transportive to that bright, sea salt air of Islay. It’s also a terrific drink to bridge the gap between gin season and whiskey season. It’s like your favorite whisky made its way into a perfect dirty martini.”
Veleda’s Wrath
- 1.5 oz The Botanist Gin
- 1 oz Bruichladdich Classic Lassie Scotch Whisky
- 0.5 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth
- 1 Barspoon Bigallet Thyme Liqueur
- 3 drops Salt Tincture (recipe below)
- Mist/Rinse Elderflower Liqueur
Glassware: Cocktail coupe or martini glass
Garnish: Fresh Thyme
To make the cocktail: Spray your favorite martini glass or cocktail glass with 1 spray/spritz of elderflower liqueur. Then, combine all remaining ingredients in a mixing glass with cracked ice. Stir until very cold & properly diluted. Strain into your prepared glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme rested on top of the drink.
The Salt Tincture: Mix 1 tablespoon of sea salt into 12 oz of hot water and stir until the salt is fully dissolved. Allow to cool. Just as in food, salt can be a versatile ingredient in cocktails, amplifying or toning flavors in many drinks.
DrinkWell details
207 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751; drinkwellaustin.com; @drinkwellaustin
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