Empire At Dusk *new Recipe

Build the cocktail

Chill a rocks glass or coupe by filling with ice and setting aside. In a mixing glass, add 2 oz plantain-infused Dobel Reposado, 0.75 oz Licor 43, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters.

Stir and strain

Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir briskly for 20–30 seconds (about 20–25 rotations) until well-chilled and slightly diluted. Discard ice from the chilled serving glass and strain the cocktail into the glass over a single large ice cube or neat if you prefer.

Garnish

Express an orange peel over the drink to release oils, rub the peel around the glass rim, then discard or place the peel on top. Slide a thin roasted or caramelized plantain slice onto the rim or float it on the surface as garnish.

Prepare plantain

Peel and thinly slice about 1/2 cup ripe plantain (about half a small plantain). Lightly brown the slices in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side to activate sugars and flavor; cool to room temperature.

Combine and steep

Place the cooled plantain slices in a clean jar and pour 375 ml (about half a bottle) of Dobel Reposado over them. Seal and let steep at room temperature away from direct sunlight for 24 hours, tasting at 6–8 hour intervals. For a milder flavor, steep 12–18 hours; for more pronounced plantain character, up to 36 hours.

Strain and finish

When infusion reaches desired flavor, strain through a fine mesh or coffee filter into a clean bottle. Label and refrigerate. Use 2 oz per cocktail as directed above.