Negan. To “The Walking Dead” fans, that name inspires a myriad of emotions. On one hand Negan is a cold-blooded murderer who killed a beloved character in one of the most graphic television deaths ever seen. On the other hand, Negan is a very complex character study who happens to have some of the best one-liners in television history. Or not.
Love him or hate him, Negan is never boring. To celebrate his return to television screens in June, I present a cocktail that he would be proud of. Like his favorite weapon, a baseball bat named Lucille, this drink will literally knock you on your ass.
Flavor Profile: Strong, sweet, herbal
Ingredients and Preparation:
- 1 1/2 oz Wheated Bourbon (I used Weller’s Special Reserve)
- 1 1/2 oz Blackened Whiskey
- 1/2 oz Aged High Proof Bourbon
- 1/4 oz Cinnamon Syrup
- 1/4 oz Molasses Syrup
- 1/2 oz Dry Curacao
- 1/2 oz Falernum
- 3/4 oz Lime Juice
- 1 dash Herbstura (equal parts Angostura bitters and Herbsaint)
- Garnish: Mint Sprig and a Swizzle Stick
Preparation:
Add all ingredients into a mixing tin. Add 12 oz crushed or pebble ice with 4 larger “agitator” cubes. Using a drink mixer blitz on high setting for approximately five seconds. Open pour with gated finish into a Zombie style tiki mug.
My Take:
Lucille is a Zombie riff that I think really captures the character of Negan. While I doubt he would actually make one himself, I’m fairly confident that if my life was on the line, and I was permitted to serve him one, he would spare me 😊. Lucille uses three very high-quality bourbons/whiskeys that work very well together, and are required, as the use of heavy syrups would drown out lesser spirits. Dry Curacao takes the place of the traditional Don’s Mix, and lightens the drink ever so slightly while the lime, falernum and Herbstura usher in the necessary balance.
