Joel Burton, bartender at Taste, will compete next week in the finals of the Four Roses Bourbon Cocktail Competition. In early May, Burton earned one of 10 spots in the finals of this bartending shakedown, created in conjunction with the Starz Network for its TV show “Magic City,” when he competed in a regional semifinal round against nine other contestants who hailed from St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago.
We’re always excited when local talent wins – and in his first competition to boot. So this weekend, we’re raising a glass to Burton for advancing to the finals and wishing him luck as he takes on talented mixologists from around the country at the Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ky. We can’t think of anything better to put in the toasting glass than the same tasty creation that has gotten Burton this far: Strawberry Beret.
The cocktail holds one of our favorite dark spirits, not to mention that it’s ripe with the seasons as it holds fresh strawberry and basil. We’re down with the Prince nod (“Raspberry Beret.” Strawberry Beret. We get it.). But best of all, this drink is easy enough to make at home, although if you find yourself short on ingredients at your bar, just head to Taste and place your order.
Strawberry Beret
Courtesy of Taste’s Joel Burton
1 serving
¾ oz. Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
¼ oz. Benedictine
1 ripe strawberry, stem removed
2 to 4 basil leaves
1½ oz. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
Ice
Strawberry garnish (optional)
• In a shaker, combine the ginger liqueur, Benedictine, strawberry and basil. Muddle well.
• Add the bourbon, fresh lemon juice and ice. Shake well and fine strain into a coupe or cocktail glass.
• For garnish, cut a partial slit from the base of the strawberry and set on the rim of the glass.
This article appears in June 2013.