One of my favorite shows growing up was Star Trek: The Next Generation. I looked forward to it every week as me and my friends sat around the television debating the Klingon Civil War and Q Continuum. My favorite character was a Klingon named Worf. For those that don’t know Klingons are sort of like a Viking crossed with a Mongol having a bad day. In short, they are badass. In one episode, Worf is having a conversation about spirits with a race inspired by the Irish. The man asks for a whiskey and is immediately appalled. “It has no bite”, he exclaims. Worf calmly asks the computer to produce “Chech’tluth”, Klingon for ‘bold drink’. It nearly knocks the faux-Irishman off his feet as he exclaims, “Now that’s what I call a wee drop of the creature!”. I present to you my interpretation that I hope would make a Klingon proud.
Chech’tluth
Flavor Profile: Rich and Strong
Ingredients:
2 oz Barrel Strength Bourbon; I used Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
1/2 oz Demerara Simple Syrup
1/4 oz Crème de Cassis
3 muddled lemon wedges
Top off with Red Wine; I used Amarone
Preparation:
Muddle the lemon wedges at the bottom of a Boston shaker. Add ice. Add all the other ingredients minus the red wine. Shake until chilled. Strain over a smoked large rocks glass over a large ice cube. Top with red wine.
Garnish: None
My Take:
A bourbon smash for Klingons is the best way to describe my Chech’tluth. It’s strong; however, the cocktail is balanced by the rich demerara syrup and Crème de Cassis which work wonderfully with red wine. I used Amarone as it’s got residual sugar which I think this drink needs. It’s also a very high ABV red wine so it’s perfect for this drink. I went back and forth on lemon or lime, but I feel lemon works a little better here. Both are fine. Finally, it wouldn’t be Chech’tluth without some smoke so make sure that glass gets a good amount before straining the cocktail.
Music Pairing:
Danzig “Twist of Cain” Danzig (Def American) 1988
While I could recommend Klingon opera, that’s not really my thing. Mr. Danzig is part Klingon, though, so we’re covered.
Qapla’!
Jim
