“Try this!” they said, with more enthusiasm than I thought the moment called for. I am open to new things, even when they are riffs on old things, or clearly inspired by things I am already doing, so why the urgency? Perhaps it was a case of striking while the iron was hot or making hay while the sun was shining or cheating another tequila cocktail with odd partner ingredients in while the bottle was still on the counter. I did not know why. I just knew that the vehemence, the commanding tone, was off-putting. Still, it wasn’t like I had anything else planned and it would give the appearance that I was responsive to requests, or was it demands? That makes things tougher because while I always try to honor requests, I rarely acquiesce to demands. I decided to categorize it as an overzealous plea and move it to the top of the list, so won’t you please join me now as we stand and make the Randall Porter.

This one was clearly inspired by yesterday’s Death Flip, a tequila, chartreuse, Jågermeister, whole egg cocktail that certainly went down smoother than its barroom dare ingredient list promised. This one was created by The Atomic Lounge in Birmingham, Alabama a really cool little spot with an incredible menu that appears to be named mostly for locals. I assume this one is a nod to Birmingham brand strategist Randall Porter, who does great work and certainly deserves the honor. Like the Death Flip, this one has some ingredients that you don’t normally think of together, but I have high hopes for it. 

Grab your mixing pitcher and toss in 1 1/4 ounces of tequila, I went with LunAzul Reposado; 1/2 an ounce of Giffard’s Banane du Bresil, 1/2 an ounce of Fernet Branca, 1/4 ounce of Demerara syrup and 2-3 drops of 18-21 Prohibition Aromatic Bitters. Add ice and stir to the beat of “Blue Pill Blues“ by Early James. When well chilled strain into a rocks glass over a big sphere, garnish with an expressed orange peel and some fresh rosemary from the garden.

That is nice. Complex, herbal, with a lovely bit of sweetness from the banana. Caramel undertones, with just enough bitterness from the fernet to keep things balanced. This goes down smooth enough, but lets you know you aren’t playing around. This is the kind of drink that gets you second looks when you order it, but then everyone wants a sip. It builds intrigue and I like that.

I’m glad I went with this urgent request, rather than calling it a demand and petulantly refusing to ever, ever make it in a million years. I am going to chalk the curt direction to “Try This!” as a bit of youthful exuberance and just be happy that we all learned something. One, that this is a damned fine drink, no matter how you heard about it and, secondly, that it is important to not get one’s underpants all twisted up and miss out on something good, just because you take issue with how it is presented. There are way too many things to get pissed off about in this world, if you are looking for a reason to be unhappy. Trust me on this, it is practically my speciality. “However”, he said to avoid beginning a sentence with the word “but”, “if you take a brighter view and ignore the little slights, you will be happier and therefore, able to make those around you happier as well.” So, let the rain roll off your back and spread a little sunshine as you go and if you can do that consistently, please let me know how. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.