Yankee Notions

Ulysses Vidal, Employee's Only | New York City

Rainwater Madeira Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

In this aperitif cocktail, Ulysses Vidal relies on the subtlety of rainwater Madeira to bring added complexity and balance to a mixture of bourbon, chamomile cordial and Angostura bitters.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 2 1/4 ounces bourbon, preferably Buffalo Trace
  • 2 1/4 ounces bourbon, preferably Buffalo Trace
  • 1 1/4 ounces rainwater Madeira
  • 1 1/4 ounces rainwater Madeira
  • 1/2 ounce chamomile cordial (see Editor's Note)
  • 1/2 ounce chamomile cordial (see Editor's Note)
  • 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 3 dashes Angostura bitters

Garnish: expressed lemon peel

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice and stir until chilled.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  3. Express a lemon peel over the surface of the drink, then discard.
Editor's Note

Chamomile Cordial:
1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers
1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon whole white peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
1 lemon peel
1 orange peel
1 1/2 ounces apple brandy

Combine all ingredients, save for the brandy, in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional five minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Strain the cordial through a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids, add in the brandy and refrigerate.