The Windsor Court Polo Club’s Lead Bartender Simone Brown began bartending in her native Jamaica. Her homeland inspired cocktail “For the Grater Good,” is a pun that highlights the drink’s key ingredient: fresh nutmeg. Simone explains, “In my country, nutmeg is a big thing.” She isn’t stingy when grating the spice on the drink. “Go to the edge of the glass!” she said. Simone fell in love with New Orleans’ culture 10 years ago after a brief stint in Alabama. “I came to New Orleans,” she said, “went back to Birmingham, packed my suitcase, and came right back.” Her lengthy tenure at the hotel means she has regulars from around the world and around the corner. “I know their names, their cocktails…I know I’m going to see them for Christmas, Thanksgiving or next week.” Her favorite time behind the bar? Mardi Gras. It may be busy, but it has perks. “I get all the nice throws from guests. Even though I’m working, it feels like I’m having fun as well.”
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servings“For the Grater Good,” is a pun that highlights the drink’s key ingredient: fresh nutmeg.
Ingredients
- For the Grater Good
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1 oz Myers’s Rum
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1 oz Coco Lopez (See note)
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1/2 oz Hoodoo Chicory Liquor
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1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
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Garnish: Fresh nutmeg
- Cinnamon Syrup
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2 cup water
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2 cup sugar
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10 cinnamon sticks
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1 oz vodka
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Pinch of ground cinnamon
Directions
- For the Grater Good
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake all hard then strain into a chilled coupe class.
- Grate fresh nutmeg on top, making sure to cover the entire top of the cocktail.
- *Simone strains room-temperature Coco Lopez through a sieve to remove any coconut pieces and make it easier to pour. This is not required, but creates a smoother texture
- Cinnamon Syrup
- Heat water and sugar on the stove or in the microwave until sugar is dissolved.
- Cool. Pour into a non-reactive bowl and add the cinnamon sticks, making sure they are submerged.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Remove cinnamon sticks. Stir in vodka and ground cinnamon.
- *Syrup keeps 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Adding vodka to the cinnamon syrup helps it last longer, since the alcohol deters bacteria growth.
- Cinnamon syrup is great in classic whiskey drinks like an Old Fashioned. Simone also recommends it stirred into your morning coffee or “porridge,” what Jamaicans call oatmeal or Cream of Wheat.
- Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur, made by Mississippi distillery Cathead, is delicious in White Russians, Irish Coffee, and Espresso Martinis.
Listen to Elizabeth’s podcast “Drink & Learn;” visit elizabeth-pearce.com
