Make the Good Cork recipe for a perfect winter drink! Blend Irish whiskey, mezcal, and other ingredients for a bold cocktail experience.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
182
Ingredients
- 1 oz Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz Mezcal
- ½ oz Benedictine
- 2 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters
- Ice cubes
- Apple slice - for garnish
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirring Glass
- Cocktail Strainer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. Give it a quick stir and set it aside to chill.
- Add Bitters: Pour 2 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Benedictine: Pour ½ oz Benedictine into the mixing glass as well.
- Add Whiskey: Add 1 oz Irish Whiskey.
- Add Mezcal: Finally, measure and add 1 oz Mezcal to the mix.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Serve: Discard the ice into the Old Fashioned glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes (you can also use the cocktail strainer to remove the excess water that has formed at the bottom of the glass and add a few more ice cubes if necessary). Using the cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the ice-filled glass.
- Garnish: Place a thin apple slice into the glass for garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Irish Whiskey: If you don't have Irish whiskey, I've used bourbon as a substitute for a sweeter profile. It changes the character slightly but still works well.
- Mezcal: For a less smoky flavor, try using tequila instead of mezcal. It offers a smoother taste while maintaining the cocktail's essence.
- Benedictine: Instead of Benedictine, I've tried using Drambuie, which adds a different herbal sweetness that complements the drink nicely.
- Peychaud's Bitters: Angostura bitters can be used if Peychaud's isn't available, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Making a Pitcher of Good Cork:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Irish whiskey, 8 oz of mezcal, and 4 oz of Benedictine.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Irish whiskey, mezcal, Benedictine, and bitters. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with an apple slice, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and reasonably mimic the flavor profile.
- Mezcal Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic spirit with smoky notes or use smoked tea like Lapsang Souchong, brewed strong for depth.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is a Good Cork?
A Good Cork is an Irish whiskey and mezcal cocktail of bold flavors, including Benedictine and Peychaud’s bitters. It’s easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps. The combination of smoky mezcal with the herbal sweetness of Benedictine creates a unique taste experience that stands out among cocktails.
What is a Good Cork made of – The ingredients
To whip up a Good Cork, have these ingredients ready:
- Irish Whiskey: Delivers a smooth, rich foundation with notes of vanilla and oak.
- Mezcal: Introduces a smoky depth that enhances the whiskey’s character.
- Benedictine: Adds herbal sweetness and complexity to the cocktail.
- Peychaud’s Bitters: Infuses aromatic spice and a touch of bitterness.
- Apple Slice (for garnish): Provides a fresh aroma and visual appeal.
