Harlem — Not Just for Shots Anymore

February 18, 2011 — Playing Around with Harlem Herbal Liqueur

Let’s try a little experiment today, shall we? Because a lot of us are gearing up for the weekend, I’m sure plenty of you guys can already taste that Jager on your tongue.

Or in your bottom drawer.

And while it’s understandable that you may want to go out and get your drunk on, you don’t come to this Website for the purpose of hammering down shot after shot of the napalm called Jagermeister. We’re just a bit more classy here. Our dick and fart jokes are served to you on a silver platter with some old English guy named Cheevers.

Only with infinitely more win.

Besides, Jaeger is for girly men. For the true cocktail aficionado, Harlem is the way to go for herbal liqueurs. I reviewed Harlem as part of the original project, and unfortunately it has sat unused for the most part since then. I’m not a big shot drinker — that’s never been a very big secret. However, the Harlem was so tasty that I felt guilty with it just kind of languishing the cabinet.

Until the other evening.

I had the craving for a Manhattan, but something a little bit different. As usual, my best inspiration comes when I’m not really thinking about it. This time, while taking a nap before having to go to rehearsal. Harlem has a nice, herbal, heavy flavor. That would go perfect with a Manhattan. Why the hell hadn’t I thought of it before?

Harlem New York

.75 oz sweet vermouth

2.5 oz bourbon whiskey

1 dash Angostura bitters

.25 oz Harlem Herbal liqueur

Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice. Stir well (until a frost forms on the outside of the shaker) and then strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Tastes very similar to a regular Manhattan, but that little bit of Harlem completely changes the entire character of the drink. That herbal, anise-like flavor hangs out in the background and gives the drink a nice piece of body that the regular Manhattan doesn’t have. Plus, it’s a way to use that Harlem for non-shot drinkers like myself.

Nuevo York

3 oz repasado tequila

1.5 oz triple sec

.25 oz agave syrup

.5 oz Harlem Herbal Liqueur

Combine the ingredients in a rocks glass filled with crushed ice and serve.

Very sweet, but again that Harlem adds a whole new level to the drink. It’s like meeting a familiar friend after they’ve had massive reconstructive surgery. You can tell there’s something similar there, but it’s almost like seeing a brand new person. Nice and smooth with a distinct “oomph” on the end from the Harlem. A taste of Europe in Mexico.