To explore the overlap between the worlds of drinks and music, we challenged bartenders to translate a song of their choice from a given genre into cocktail form. Here, Jim Kearns takes on reggae.
As Kearns explains of the inspiration behind the drink: “The idea came from the fact that I have always tasted a strong banana note on Tennessee whiskey, and I thought it might be a fun bridge to the realm of tiki, a genre in which American whiskey is not the most frequently used spirit…The cocktail came quickly, with [Brian] Miller suggesting the vanilla, the El Dorado 15, and the name.”
Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake with ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
Garnish with a banana chip.
Editor's Note
Vanilla Syrup: 3 vanilla beans
1 pound white granulated sugar
1 quart water
Slice the beans lengthwise, exposing the seeds. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours before using.