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Philly Sling

The Washington Post, October 1, 2008

Summary:

This is an "original" on the cocktail menu at Hummingbird to Mars, a speak-easy style drinking den in Washington that has no set location and no regular operating hours. A sling is the oldest variety of cocktail and refers to a drink with a base spirit, lemon juice, sugar and bitters. This sling uses 2 base spirits: applejack and sloe gin. Be sure to use only real sloe gin, namely Plymouth Sloe Gin.

For aromatic bitters, Spirits columnist Jason Wilson recommends using either Fee Brothers Old Fashion Aromatic Bitters or the Bitter Truth's Old Time Aromatic Bitters (though Angostura bitters may be substituted). Fee Brothers Old Fashion Aromatic Bitters and Bitter Truth's Old Time Aromatic Bitters, as well as Plymouth Sloe Gin, are available at Ace Beverage in Northwest Washington.

1 serving

Ingredients:

Directions:

Fill a mixing glass halfway full with ice. Add the applejack, sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters; stir vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail (martini) glass.

NOTE: Simple syrup, or sugar syrup, is a combination of water and sugar that is boiled over low heat until clear. Used to sweeten drinks and various desserts, it commonly involves equal amounts of water and sugar. To make simple syrup, in a small saucepan over medium heat combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a slow rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a glass container and set aside to cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and refrigerate until chilled through; store indefinitely.

Recipe Source:

From a recent cocktail menu at Hummingbird to Mars.

202 calories, n/a fat, n/a saturated fat, n/a cholesterol, n/a sodium, 17g carbohydrates, n/a dietary fiber, n/a sugar, n/a protein.

Tested by Bonnie S. Benwick for The Washington Post.
E-mail the Food Section at food@washpost.com with recipe questions.
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