It’s been a minute since I’ve been in ‘The Lab’ also known as my kitchen to create a cocktail. That changed recently when I received a bag of foodie gifts from my dear friend for my birthday. The first item I pulled out of the bag was Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt. Ummm, you had me with smoked sea salt. Add in bourbon and I am fully committed. When I say it sparked my creativity, I mean it lit a fire.

My mind started racing and I went to honey for sweetness to balance the salt.

I started with a twist on an Old Fashioned – meaning a few ingredients: bourbon, honey syrup and salt. I didn’t add citrus or bitters. I wanted to see if I pick up the smokiness of the salt in a cocktail without it becoming a briny mess. Maybe next time.

After a few misses, here are a few takeaways. I wouldn’t use a big bourbon. I was tempted to use a high proof bourbon; but I found it overwhelmed the delicate smokiness of the salt. Go with 80 proof or slightly higher. As the honey syrup is cooling, add the salt. The warmth of the syrup will help the salt dissolve. Once it is cool, add it to a dry shaker with the bourbon. Shake vigorously, THEN add ice and shake again. Strain into a glass with ice or and enjoy. It is well balanced and quite tasty.

Recipe

Don’t have a dear friend gifting you Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt? Never fear, the internet has several DIY pages, I liked this video or this page.

Food pairing ideas: This cocktail begs to be paired with yummy goodness. And let’s face it, if you are going to make smoked salt, you want it to be worth your while. Though I assure you, this cocktail is worth it. So here some ideas:

· Cheese – I used a 5-year-old Wisconsin cheddar, and it was delightful

· Bacon – applewood smoke or candied bacon

· Strawberries

· Cantaloupe

· Steak – an obvious choice but can’t forget it

What would you suggest?

Cheers,
~Kimberly Elise 
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