American Trilogy

While many today think of Bourbon as the great American spirit, it was actually not even grain whiskey that was first to be distilled domestically.  Distiller’s license # 1 was granted to Robert Laird by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 1780 (though they started distilling “Cyder” spirits in 1760).  Second on today’s list of colonial spirits was Rye made by the Irish and Scotch settlers in Pennsylvania’s Monongahela Valley.  It is these two spirits slightly embellished with orange bitters that inspired the American Trilogy cocktail.  Simple to make this drink is a must try for the Manhattan and Old Fashioned cocktail lovers out there. 
 

American Trilogy

In a large rocks glass with an oversized cube add:

• 1 Ounce Laird’s Applejack
• 1 Ounce Rye Whiskey
• 1/4 Demerara Simple Syrup
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters

Stir gently and garnish with an orange twist.