Billionaire Cocktail

Recently I attempted to recreate a billionaire cocktail, my favorite drink on the menu at the famous Employees Only, without the $15 price tag apiece. I pulled the recipe from the New York Times, but made a few changes. Instead of from-scratch grenadine syrup, I added some Stirrings Pomegranate Liqueur from Astor Wine and Spirits, and instead of a half ounce of absinthe substitute, I added a dash of St. George Absinthe Verte (the recipe dates back to a few months before absinthe was legal to produce in the US). At Employees Only they use housemade absinthe bitters, but I think the St. George is complex enough to stand in for the bitters—it’s just that a little goes a long way, unless you like a liquorice cocktail. The result was tart and just sweet enough, with subtle herbal notes. It’s going on the permanent menu at my place.

2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
¾ ounce simple syrup
¼ ounce Absente, Herbsaint or other absinthe substitute
½ ounce homemade grenadine syrup

Shake vigorously with ice and serve in a chilled glass with lemon garnish.