Connie is a big fan of Scotch (NOT!). The words gasoline, kerosene or some other euphemism for a flammable element spew forth whenever he tastes it. He does taste it and truth be told the older, more mellow forms he can stomach. Not much, but a least he doesn't make one of those three year old faces and gripe.
I on the other hand, grew up thinking Scotch was great. Dad used to drink Scotch and water. Actually I should say he drank WATER and a little bit of Scotch. A shot of Scotch in about 8 oz of water. It was truly Scotch flavored water. Mom, on the other hand, is a fan of a good martini. Gin on the rocks with the vermouth waved over the glass. Consequently, when I was in high school and made their drinks for them, I'd take a sniff of Mom's and wrinkle my nose. Dad's, the sip was a pretty good thing. When I got to be of drinking age (you believe that, don't you?) I became a bona fide Scotch drinker. I still have about a third of a bottle of really good Scotch that a dear friend's widow gave me. It's pulled out when I have a really fantastic day and I have just a little teeny bit and toast Terry. I had lunch with Snipper today (his widow) and almost had a toast tonight - til Connie suggested the Boss Tweed while we fixed dinner...
One day, I read the following recipie and the aforementioned conversation took place. Anyway, one of Connie's sayings is "What could possibly go wrong?". I think he thought that the worst case scenario is that I get two drinks and he retreats to the basement to grab a beer. He graciously agreed to make the drink and at least give it a shot. As it turns out, it is very tasty and Connie doesn't complain and even savors it. It is a double shot of liquor, so feel free to halve the recipie if you wish, but it doesn't taste anywhere near as strong as it sounds.
So here is a Boss Tweed, named after a somewhat legendary politician from New York City in the days of Tammany Hall. I will leave the other adjectives to describe him off of my page, but truth be told he was convicted and died in jail. Unfortunately, I printed the recipe at work many months ago and didn't note the source. I am pretty sure that it came from Food and Wine's website and they credit the Blue Mill Tavern in New York City. I can't take credit since it wasn't my idea to begin with, so I will give them the nod and apologize in advance if it truly belongs to someone else.
Boss Tweed (for two)
2 oz blended Scotch (we use Johnny Walker Red)
2 oz brandy (we use E&J)
2 oz light rum (we use Bacardi)
3 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 oz simple syrup (we use 2:1)
6 dashes Angostura bitters
Mix all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain, toast the one you love, and enjoy!
