This bit of mixology comes courtesy of bacon or -- more specifically -- Baconfest Chicago, an event that draws dozens of Chicago's best chefs and restaurants to exhibit their favorite bacon-based dishes. Tickets to tomorrow's event sold out in minutes, but organizers reserved two for the enthusiast who could create the best cocktail featuring, you guessed it, bacon. Zach Piper happens to be just that enthusiast, winning with his "Barded Black Bird" recipe:
Barded Black Bird
- 2 oz bacon fat washed Black Grouse
- 1/2 oz The Bitter Truth E**X**R
- 1/2 oz Ramazzotti
- 1/4 oz orange blossom maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters
- 1 barspoon (1/16 oz) Bacon tincture
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe and garnish with wide strip of orange zest.
If you're brave enough to attempt this robust cocktail, the ingredients, which have recipes of their own, are explained in further detail on Mr. Piper's blog.
