Sharkbait’s Cocktail of the Week: Back to the Grindstone

Happy Friday one and all. I’ve spent the last two weeks on Cape Cod for a little vacation and sadly that will all come to an end tomorrow when we head back, where I start a new job on Monday.

In that end, we’re going extra simple this week. My mixers and other additions are running a little low, and will not be replenished prior to heading back north, so I’m going with a simple, two (three if you count the garnish) cocktail named for the original Blonde Bombshell: The Jean Harlow.

Named after the famous actress, This is a simple rum and vermouth drink that should be delicious. Let’s find out.

2 oz. Light rum
2 oz. Sweet vermouth
Lemon peel for garnish

Add the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Sweet vermouth notes lead the nose. Under that you get hints of rum as well. I used overproof, so regular white rum may not be as much of a factor here

This is strong. However the vermouth is the first flavor I get here. Its flavors really cut through the rum, which I find a bit surprising given that the rum I used is 63% alcohol. Don’t get me wrong, the rum quickly shows up in the sip. When it does though, it does not overtake the flavor palate. I really like what the rum and vermouth have going on here. It is kind of a sweet and savory combination, but…different.

The rest of the sip is the aforementioned harmony of flavor. The finish is a little fiery thanks to the rum, but with some sweet vermouth lingering afterwards as well. The best way I can describe it is like that of a Manhattan.

I very much enjoyed this one. Mainly due to my propensity to like strong drinks, and this one certainly fills that niche with the overproof rum in place of the regular white rum. I will say the overproof rum makes this one a one and done. Whereas normal white rum might allow for a couple more to be consumed before hitting the point of no return.

(Banner image found here)