Sharkbait’s Cocktail of the Week: Sling’n It

We made it once again to another Friday. I’ve had another super busy work week with more audits. At least this time, it’s for a certification and there has been zero need to appear on camera for hours at a time. Though the effort gathering all the evidence still saps my energy level. I had planned on something a little more complex this week, but when it came time to mix, I just didnt have the motivation for multiple ingredients. Sifting through the library, specifically the Waldorf book, I came across a Sling. When I hear sling, I usually think of the Singapore variety. One of the oddest combinations I’ve come across. All the drink consists of is spirt, and simple syrup, with a dash of nutmeg as a garnish. Apparently these were extremely popular at the turn of the 18th century. Which makes sense given the simplicity, and the open endedness of the ingredients. It seems perfect for a long week coming to a close.

Sling

2 oz. Spirit of choice (brandy, genever, rum, whiskey, etc.) I used rye whiskey

.25 Simple syrup. 

Add spirit of choice and simple syrup to Old Fashioned glass. Stir briefly to integrate. Add a couple of large ice cubes or sphere and stir again to integrate. Garnish with some freshly grated nutmeg.

Nutmeg aroma is the strongest. I used Rye so I figured it would shine through more than it does. The nutmeg completely covers up any of the rye.

This is different, and interesting. The whiskey flavor obviously is the most dominant. But the simple syrup and the nutmeg combine add another layer to this drink, making it way more complex than it has any business being. You get the whiskey up front, but instead of the expected alcohol “burn”, you get a combination sweet and nutmeg flavor that quickly takes over. I like what is going here, to a point. It borders on slightly too sweet to my liking, though I do think the concept works. The nutmeg and the syrup add nice flavors but the 1/4 ounce is a bit too much simple syrup for me.

It finishes with a combination of the sweetness from the syrup and slight bitterness from the nutmeg. The simple syrup does leave a little bit of lingering sweetness on the palate. Not the worst, but for me personally, it contributes to being a bit too sweet for my liking. Would I make this again? I’m not sure. I think if I was going to choose whiskey or rye, probably not since I like those on their own. If I chose a different base like brandy or rum? I might give it another go.

(Banner image courtesy Matthew Tetrault Photography)