November 1, 2013

What I’m Drinking: The Hanson Sparkler

Here’s something you may not know: John Hanson, the first president of the newly independent United States under the Articles of Confederation, on October 11, 1782 declared that the fourth Thursday of every November was to be Thanksgiving Day. As I’m someone who likes Thanksgiving, well, this was news to me. And it led to me, when trying to come up with a new drink to have before Thanksgiving, utilizing Mr. Hanson’s name in the title. I also utilized a couple of awesome new Seattle-area products in the drink, cause going local is good, especially around Thanksgiving. The first was a shrub. I’m guessing you know I don’t mean the plant, but the colonial era vinegar-based cocktail-and-drink ingredient that’s making a comeback. You probably don’t know I used a Ludlow Market Shrub, made around these parts, specifically the Blackberry Sarsaparilla Vanilla variety, which is rich and tangy and fruity all at once. I also used the new Seattle Distilling Company Idle Hours whiskey (made on Vashon Island), which is an Irish-style whiskey with a hint of honey. All together, the Hanson Sparkler (there soda water which makes it sparkle) is an ideal pre-Thanksgiving drink, one that’ll whet your appetite without filling you up.

hanson-sparkle

The Hanson Sparkler

Ice cubes

1-1/2 ounces Seattle Distilling Company Idle Hours whiskey

1 ounce Ludlow Market Blackberry Sarsaparilla Vanilla shrub

5 to 6 ounces soda water

1. Fill a highball or double-ish Old Fashioned glass with a four or five ice cubes.

2. Add the Idle Hours whiskey, then the shrub, then the soda water. Stir well.

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