Appleton Estate continued the 2012 Remixology Bartender Challenge semi-finals with its last stop at Blackbird Ordinary in Miami. Competing against some of Miami's best bartenders, Ben Clemons was crowned the winner with his Big Woo cocktail inspired by the song "Good Lovin" by The Rascals.
Cricket Nelson
Nick Nistico
Richie Petronzi
Robert Ferrara
Semi-Finalist Recipes
"Flip" The Script
Nick NisticoSong: Sabotage by The Beastie Boys!!
Song choice rationale:
are you kidding me? Ill give you rationale! this is a song that represents the complete opposite of any rational decision lol, its a high energy anthem and an iconic NE party starter. The beastie boys and Appleton make me want to "Flip" the script FO REAL and thats whats going to happen. BOOM
Recipe:
2 oz. Appleton Estate Reserve
.5 oz Osbourne PX
.5 oz Benadictine
.5 oz Canton Ginger Liquor
1 oz oz fresh Lemon Juice
1 Quail egg
Build in a mixing glass, hard shaken and served UP with a special "BOOM" of nutmeg dust:-)
Big Woo
Ben ClemonsSong: Good Lovin' by The Rascals
Song choice rationale:
"Big Woo" was the name of the Volcano in the HORRIBLE movie "Joe Vs. The Volcano". The song "Good Lovin" was used in the movie when Tom Hanks is fishing from a raft. I like fishing. I like the rascals. I like fire. I don't like this movie. I do like you.
Recipe:
1 oz. Appleton Estate Reserve
1 oz. Appleton Light Rum
1 oz. Cantaloupe Juice
1/2 oz. Vanilla Syrup
1/2 oz. Lime Juice
*Top w/ Lemon Heart 151 Rum
Add all ingredients EXCEPT Appleton Estate Reserve and 151. Shake and double strain into freshly iced glass. Add Appleton Estate Reserve.
Garnish w/ sugared lime wheel topped with 151 and set on fire!
Die Die My Darling
Richie PetronziSong: Mack The Knife by Michael Buble(Cover)
Song choice rationale:
"Mack the Knife" by Michael Buble. Not an original by Michael but originally written and premiered during the golden era of the cocktail. Circa 1928. Hearing old big band/swing songs always put me in a mood for a classic style cocktail. One of my faves is no doubt an Old Fashioned. So this is a "not been done to death" version of an Old Fashioned. This Cocktail Pairs amazing with the song and the sinister mind of old "Mackie", the fictional character of the song. "Macheath" is a comedic version of a criminal who is both liked and hated, like someone I know. This song and cocktail are held very close to my heart and brings both comedy and seriousness out in the open. I myself can relate to all aspects of the song and cocktail since I am the most loved and hated BT in all of South Florida. Life is Bitter Sweet, we need a little pleasure and pain in our everyday lives. Let me bring the pain Willy!!
Recipe:
2 oz. Appleton Estate Reserve
.5 oz Tawny Port
.5 oz Carpano Antica
1 oz Homemade Toasted Coconut Liqueur
Fee Brothers Aromatic Bitters infused ice cube
Orange Twist
1 Filthy Cherry
Method: Add Appleton, port, vermouth and Liqueur to a chilled mixing glass, stir with good ice
for 30 seconds, strain into a chilled old fashioned glass over bitters infused ice. Garnish: Orange Peel
The Notorious P.U.N.C.H.
Robert FerraraSong: Juicy by Notorious B.I.G.
Song choice rationale:
Notorious B.I.G. is one of the greatest rappers of all time. Biggie is part Jamaican and this song makes you wanna just relax and have a good time with a cocktail in your hand. And why not Appelton Rum. I wanted to make a twist on a punch. I used blood orange juice for the name "Juicy" I added the cardamon bitters to help blend the acid level with the great notes of the aged rum and the basil adds a nice pop of flavor. And to bring it all together I top it off with a brown ale. I hope you enjoy!
Recipe:
2 oz. Appleton Estate Reserve
.5oz fresh lime juice
.5oz simple syrup
.75oz blood orange juice
3 basil leaves
4 drops cardamon bitters brown ale
Add all ingredients in a mixing glass except the beer. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and top off with brown ale. Garnish
with a lime wheel and a basil sprig.
Hot Buttered Buns
Cricket NelsonSong: Annie don't wear no panties by Erykah Badu
Song choice rationale:
I love Erykah Badu...she is strong, creative, playful, outspoken and sexy. She makes social commentary with humor, and is constantly challenging herself and her boundaries. For this song she has also surrounded herself with equally talented friends under the group name Edith Funker. I strive to accomplish much of the same in life, hopefully representing the female component of the Miami mixology circle with grace and love for my peers. To me, in this song "Annie", Erykah croons with a whole lotta funk about personal Sexual liberation...which has always been a huge part of both our industry, and the Miami nightlife scene. Sexy sells, and Miami has the corner on this market. This song influenced my cocktail by guiding me to liberate the buttery fruity notes of Appleton reserve. Tempting them with both complimentary and contrasting flavors...arriving at a well balanced blend of a classic flip, Guinness stout punch, Jamaican spiced buns, and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Super sexy....and I didn't forget the hot sauc
Recipe:
2 oz. Appleton Estate Reserve
2 oz. Guinness Stout
1 whole egg
1 oz. Cricket's Jamaican spice bun syrup
1/4 bar spoon Cricket's Jamaican Jerk Hot sauce #2
*Nutmeg and grated orange rind garnish
Method:
Please note that I am using a butter washed Appleton Reserve for my cocktail....Place all ingredients into shaker and fill with ice. Shake to chill and frothify. Strain into chilled flip glass, and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and orange peel.
