I love New Orleans. It’s my favorite city to visit both for live music on Frenchman Street and for the myriad of culinary delights. One of my favorite restaurants is Brennan’s, located on Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter. Brennan’s is famous for their swanky, boozy Sunday Brunch, and Sleepy Orange, named after my nephew’s band, would be right at home being served alongside scrambled quail eggs and truffles.
My Take
The Screwdriver cocktail is one of the most basic drinks imaginable; vodka and orange juice. It’s actually a decent breakfast/brunch alternative to a Bloody Mary (which I loathe). But whiskey drinkers shouldn’t feel left out, so I present a delicious, decadent alternative to the clear spirit version. I wanted dark chocolate to take center stage as it works very well with orange. If you can find a bottle, Woodford Reserve Chocolate Malted Rye was made for this cocktail. It’s as much chocolate liqueur as it is bourbon. The Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao kicks up that chocolate flavor another notch. Finally, raspberry liqueur rounds the entire recipe out; turning Sleepy Orange into a burnt orange, chocolate raspberry Bundt cake.
Music Pairing
Doro Wat Jazz Band “Aunt Hagar’s Blues” (Independent)
One of the great new bands coming out of New Orleans is Doro Wat. Recorded live at The Spotted Cat on Frenchman Street, their takes on classics like “Aunt Hagar’s Blues” are truly world class. Traditional jazz doesn’t get any better than this.
Cheers!
