Stuff to eat. Mostly around St. Louis.
The Cold, Dark, Stirred Bitter Truth
In an ideal world, I’d spend every evening at Randolfi’s [RIP]. I’d walk in with my glorious beard, impeccably tailored peacoat, and shawl collared sweater, brush the snow off my shoulders, and take a seat at the bar. The fire crackles in the Ferrara pizza oven. Tom Waits is on the radio. Head barman Jeffrey Moll would look at me, nod, and get started on my drink. I wouldn’t have to say a word.
I’d stare off into the abyss, thinking of something important. Moll would hand me The Cold, Dark, Stirred Bitter Truth. It’s bittersweet and rich—just like me.
In actuality, I will make this at home in my pajamas, then drink it at my kitchen counter while watching Property Brothers. And you can too!
The Cold, Dark, Stirred Bitter Truth
YIELD: 1 COCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz El Dorado 12 Year Rum
.75 oz Ramazzotti Amaro
.5 oz Campari
.5 oz Suze
Appr.x 10 drops / 1 squeeze of Bittermen’s Xocolatl Mole Bitters (they’re in a dropper bottle)
METHOD
Place all ingredients in a stirring vessel and fill with ice. Stir for approximately 25 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass.
Cut a thin, round piece of orange peel and express [squeeze] the oils from the peel into a match flame across the top of the cocktail (this may take some practice, but playing with fire is fun!).
Enjoy while listening to something equally cold, dark, and bitter.
Jeffrey Moll on Amaro
Here’s what I know about amaro: it’s Italian, and Randolfi’s master mixologist, Jeffrey Moll, likes loves it.
That’s it.
I asked Moll to give me the run down on 5 of his favorite amari so I can add them to my bar and impress my friends, and now you can too. Or you could just go over to Randolfi’s, pull up a seat at the bar, and learn something from the master himself. Plus, his name fall cocktail menu just arrived, and it is immense. [Randolfi’s has since closed, but you can still find Jeffrey slangin’ drinks around town]