25th Hour: How To Make This Contemplative Late-Night Cocktail
In the wee hours, when the world hushes and the mind wanders into deep thought, there exists a cocktail that matches this mood—let’s call it the 25th Hour Cocktail. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill nightcap; it’s a contemplative sipper for late-night musings. Crafted with a peaty Scotch whisky, Tawny Port, Lucano Amaro, Maraschino Liqueur and a dash of Angostura bitters, it’s a drink that’s as complex and layered as the thoughts that dance through your mind at this ungodly hour.
The Assembly of Night Owls
The first mate of our liquid journey is a smoky, broody fella—a 25-ml peaty Scotch whisky that smells like a moody, windswept sea. We're leaning on Talisker for its notes that sing of both the land and the ever-changing ocean.
Next, imagine the smooth and familiar comfort of a soft, softly played jazz record on a rainy day. That’s our Tawny port, about 15 ml, adding elegant, sunlit stripes of something sweet to those pensive, amber whisky notes.
Cue 10 ml of Lucano Amaro. It’s got that Italian spirit—smartly sardonic. A few dashes of Angostura bitters act like the final piece of a puzzle, bringing balance and tying all the elements together.
Stirring It All Together
Each ingredient is a note, and together, they create a drink that’s best enjoyed in solitude or with a fellow night owl. Stirred, never shaken, this cocktail is a slow burn, a gradual build-up to a revelation.
Serving this cocktail is a ritual in and of itself. Choose a glass that feels right in your hand—something that adds to the experience. Pour the concoction over a single large ice cube—a symbol of the solitary hour. Garnish with a twist of orange peel, a final flourish that adds a citrusy bookmark to your sipping session.
Bites to Consider
But what's a contemplative cocktail without the perfect late-night nibble? Consider pairing the 25th Hour Cocktail with a plate of smoked almonds. Their salty, smoky crunch is the ideal companion to the drink's deep, nuanced flavours. Or, for something a bit more indulgent, dark chocolate truffles. Their rich, velvety texture and bittersweet cocoa are a match made in midnight snack heaven with our cocktail’s complex character.
If you're feeling a tad more peckish, blue cheese-stuffed mushrooms offer a delightful umami bomb that complements the cocktail’s richness beautifully. The earthy mushrooms and the pungent, creamy cheese echo the depth and complexity of the 25th Hour, making each bite and sip an exploration of flavours.
Whether you’re pondering life’s big questions or simply enjoying the peace that comes with the night, this cocktail is your companion, a reminder that there’s beauty in complexity and depth in simplicity.
