Sometimes an ingredient is just inspiring. During a recent tasting of the wine-based amaro Cardamaro, it occurred to me how the sweetness, spice, and candied fruit flavors might play well with the spicy notes in bourbon or rye. Tinkering with a Manhattan style template, the Card Trick was born.
Card Trick
True to the style of the Manhattan, the Card Trick is a delightfully smooth and boozy cocktail. The notes of spice from the Cardamaro amplify with the spicy notes from the Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and the cinnamon simple syrup. Thanks to the acidity from the wine based Cardamaro, there’s a balanced despite the richness. The subtle bitterness of the amaro and freshness of the orange helps pull the entire combination together for a rich, spicy, and delicately sweet drink.
Drink Notes:
- Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon – This is our house go to bourbon, and what we originally made the Card Trick with. Anything with a spicier backbone should suffice though. Feel free to try Wild Turkey 101, Bulleit Bourbon, or just play around with what you have.
- Cardamaro – There’s no real substitute for this one. If you do get a bottle, please note that it should be refrigerated as it is a wine-based Amaro. It will stay good for 4-6 weeks if chilled.
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup –
- Method 1: Combine 250g of sugar with 250g of water in a sous vide bag or small mason jar. Add 10g of cinnamon broken into 1″ pieces. Shake to combine. Sous vide for 2 hours at 145°F. Remove from water bath and allow to cool. Once cool, strain cinnamon pieces from syrup using a chinios and coffee filter. Add .5 oz of Everclear / overproof vodka and shake gentle for 1 -2 seconds to combine. Store in fridge. Discard if no longer transparent / any hazy develops.
- Method 2: Combine 250g of sugar, 250g of water, and 10 grams of cinnamon broken into 1″ pieces in a pan. Add heat until sugar is dissolved and syrup reaches a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cool, strain cinnamon pieces from syrup using a chinios and coffee filter. Add .5 oz of Everclear / overproof vodka and shake gentle for 1 -2 seconds to combine. Store in fridge. Discard if no longer transparent / any hazy develops.
- Note: Everclear / Overproof Vodka are optional – these act as preservatives to extend shelf life. If you add them, please do not serve to children, pregnant women, or those avoiding alcohol.
- Note: Method 1 is preferred if you’re able / have the equipment to do so.
- Orange Twist – For optimal experience, express the orange twist over the drink and run the orange around the glass on one side.
- To express the orange twist: After removing a strip of zest, hold the pith side and pinch the peel over the drink to express the oils.
