Whisky Cocktail: Count Turf

Here is a cocktail I constructed based upon the 1951 Martini.  (Click on the Link to find a nice write-up on The Everyday Drinking Blog.)

I had trouble with the name, until I discussed the drink with my friend, Ben, of the above said, Everyday Drinking Blog.  His suggestion was to name the cocktail after the horse which won the Kentucky Derby in 1951, Count Turf. Since the Kentucky Derby is synonymous with great Kentucky Bourbon I immediately agreed.

Count Turf (version 1)

Maraschino Liqueur
2 oz Kentucky Bourbon
Vermouth
Small ice chunks
Orange Slice

Chill your cocktail glass until it is very cold
aromatise it with Maraschino Liqueur.
In a metal shaker partially filled with small ice chunks, stir a healthy splash of vermouth to coat the cubes and dissolve any very small pieces of ice.
Discard the liquid, retaining the ice.
Pour in 2 oz  bourbon.
Strain into the aromatised cocktail glass and garnish with an orange slice.

Looking at the recipe, I realized  that the construction could be changed using a Maraschino cherry as the garnish, and the Orange liqueur to aromatise the glass as follows:

Count Turf (version 2)

Orange Curacao (Sub any quality Orange liqueur)
2 oz Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon
Vermouth
Small ice chunks
Maraschino Cherry

Follow the same recipe directions as above.

Now if you have been reading the other recipes you know that I cannot get any Maraschino cherries to make the version 2 of the cocktail.  I’m hoping that you trust my instincts and try this one on your own.  Maybe one of you can snap a picture and allow me to use it here in my blog.

And remember, the aim is not to drink more…it is to drink Better.

Cheers!!