huio
Kimberly Patton Bragg created Keeper of the Crossroads for a New Orleans themed cocktail competition in Las Vegas. The drink honors the voodoo deity, Papa Legba. “I know he usually drinks rum,” admitted Bragg “but I figure he likes to switch it up.” Maurin, a bitter liquor, has a label featuring a fiendish devil. Peaty Scotch adds a smoky incense aroma. Before the pandemic, Bragg graced the bar at Justine in the French Quarter. During the shutdown, she studied for and became an Executive American Whiskey Steward. She is eager to share this new knowledge with her guests, but also notes “Guests teach me something every day.” Being away from her bar has made her appreciate its pleasures. “I miss making people laugh…making people’s day better…I miss the people.” Hopefully, she will be mixing Keeper of the Crossroads and many other drinks for all of us soon.
Keeper of the Crossroads
2 oz. Old Forester (or a similar high proof Bourbon)
1 oz. Maurin
1/4 oz. Maraschino
2 dash Peychaud Bitters
Spritz of Laphroaig whisky
Luxardo cherry for garnish
- Chill a coupe glass in the freezer.
- Add the Old Forester, Maurin, Maraschino and Peychaud Bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 10 to 15 seconds until chilled.
- Remove the glass from the freezer and spritz with Laphroaig.
- Strain the mixture into the glass and garnish with the cherry.
- Be sure to freeze the coupe glass, don’t just chill it with ice water. This ensures the entire glass is evenly chilled.
- No atomizer? Use the small plastic spray bottle from a toiletries travel kit, available at most drugstores
- You might recognize the image of Maurin. It was very popular in the Belle Epoch and appears on many posters of the time.
