Help me create a signature cocktail

[Hornius Emeritus 12450]

Rather incredibly, a craft cocktail company has approached me about  a signature cocktail that they want to invent for Traces of Texas, one that would be called the Trace of Texas.  I have free reign to include whatever ingredients I want.  I'd like y'all to help me and, when this Covid is over, we're going to have a party to introduce the drink. I'm sure there will be plenty of Surly specials (read: free booze) for those who help me invent this thing.  As I think about it, these are things I think are important:

1) It has to be created with ingredients sourced from Texas: whiskey, vodka, tequila, sotol etc... plus whatever other ingredients might be in there 

2)  it has to be a good hot weather drink

3) I'd prefer it to be on the more  manly side i.e. no pink umbrellas, not too sweet

4) Simple is better than complicated.  If possible, I'd like the cocktail to be made with ingredients that you can find in most bars.

5)  I can't stand gin, so no gin


Of course, it could be a normal/regular drink that has Texas spirits as the "active"  ingredient.  Like, for example, I could take the standard Old Fashioned recipe (bourbon, sugar, bitters, water), specify that the bourbon be Balcones, and call it the Trace of Texas, but that seems like a cop out.

One thing I thought about doing is finding an old drink guide and using one of them as a pattern/guide.  Example:  One of Houston's first bars (1850s) was the Bank and Bacchus, owned by Dick Dowling. The signature drink there was called "Kiss Me Quick and Go." I'm guessing that most of the ingredients (spirits excepted) were locally sourced in Houston.  If I could find that recipe, maybe I could tinker with it.
 

[HouTex 1866]

Tito’s and Fresca with a splash of cranberry juice.

[DalTxHornFan 3097]

Just looked through our older cookbooks.  "The Texas Cookbook" by Mary Faulk Koock (of Green Pastures in South Austin Fame) includes a bourbon cocktail called the "Bayou Bend Special" attributed to Ima Hogg, the daughter of Gov. James Hogg, and apparently "a long sought secret" often served at her River Oaks estate.

Bayou Bend Special

• 1 thick-skinned seedless orange
• 1 Tbs. honey
• 1 fifth Bourbon

Slice orange and add honey to orange slices.  Put in top of a double boiler and let steep for 5 or 10 minutes.  Transfer orange slices to a jar, cover with a fifth of Bourbon, and let stand for at least 12 hours, but after 24 hours remove orange slices (if left too long, Bourbon will be bitter.)

Per Drink

• Half orange slice
• Stemmed cherry
• Jigger of mixed orange and lemon juice
• Dash bitters
• Dash orange-flower water
• 2 jiggers of the above prepared Bourbon, all served over ice

Cheers.

[deadshank 24652]

21 minutes ago, HouTex said:

Tito’s and Fresca with a splash of cranberry juice.

Cranberries reek of Texas.  

Edited December 8, 2020 by deadshank

[Hornius Emeritus 12450]

12 minutes ago, DalTxHornFan said:

Just looked through our older cookbooks.  "The Texas Cookbook" by Mary Faulk Koock (of Green Pastures in South Austin Fame) includes a bourbon cocktail called the "Bayou Bend Special" attributed to Ima Hogg, the daughter of Gov. James Hogg, and apparently "a long sought secret" often served at her River Oaks estate.

Bayou Bend Special

• 1 thick-skinned seedless orange
• 1 Tbs. honey
• 1 fifth Bourbon

Slice orange and add honey to orange slices.  Put in top of a double boiler and let steep for 5 or 10 minutes.  Transfer orange slices to a jar, cover with a fifth of Bourbon, and let stand for at least 12 hours, but after 24 hours remove orange slices (if left too long, Bourbon will be bitter.)

Per Drink

• Half orange slice
• Stemmed cherry
• Jigger of mixed orange and lemon juice
• Dash bitters
• Dash orange-flower water
• 2 jiggers of the above prepared Bourbon, all served over ice

Cheers.

Wow.  I could actually make this with what I have on hand, with the exception of the cherry.  Of course, cherries aren't grown in Texas. I wonder if a lime or grapefruit wedge would work. The one thing, though, is that it requires some "fore-prep."  I am hoping that somebody would be able to walk into a bar and say "give me a Trace of Texas."  When the bartender says ... "uh, what?"  Then the patron whips out the recipe on his phone and the bartender makes it for him. That's not going to happen if bourbon has to stand or if a double boiler has to be used.  But I love this idea.

Edited December 8, 2020 by Hornius Emeritus

[Judge Roybeanbag 11819]

Topo Chico and tequila need to be involved.  

[HenryJames 66038]

31 minutes ago, HouTex said:

Tito’s and Fresca with a splash of cranberry juice.

[DalTxHornFan 3097]

12 minutes ago, Hornius Emeritus said:

Wow.  I could actually make this with what I have on hand, with the exception of the cherry.  Of course, cherries aren't grown in Texas. I wonder if a lime or grapefruit wedge would work. The one thing, though, is that it requires some "fore-prep."  I am hoping that somebody would be able to walk into a bar and say "give me a Trace of Texas."  When the bartender says ... "uh, what?"  Then the patron whips out the recipe on his phone and the bartender makes it for him. That's not going to happen if bourbon has to stand or if a double boiler has to be used.  But I love this idea.

Muddled orange slices and honey added to Bourbon and then strained would likely get you to the same place.  Basically an Old Fashioned with some arguably Texas roots (Ima Hogg).  Sounds like you'll enjoy researching this project! 

[SmokeyTheBear 5562]

With your guidelines, a Ranch Water is your best bet but that might be a bit played out. I would love to see a sotol or mezcal Ranch Water if you can find a way to balance the smoke with something else like basil or rosemary. 

Edited December 8, 2020 by SmokeyTheBear

[Zepol87 9185]

No idea but this is cool AF

[billfromlaketravis 11448]

I’d come up with some with Texas centric variation on the Sazerac. 

[HornOnTheBayou 8915]

5 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

I’d come up with some with Texas centric variation on the Sazerac. 

Maybe a sazerac with some pecan flavoring of some sort?

I'm not real good at coming up with drink ideas, but I'll be happy to volunteer as your taste tester.

[Hornius Emeritus 12450]

6 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

I’d come up with some with Texas centric variation on the Sazerac. 

You mean like a Sazerac that used something like Balcones Rye Whiskey (which is delicious, by the way) as the base? 

 

[SmokeyTheBear 5562]

A Texas Sazerac or Boulivardie would be cool but question drinkability in the summers

[billfromlaketravis 11448]

3 minutes ago, Hornius Emeritus said:

You mean like a Sazerac that used something like Balcones Rye Whiskey (which is delicious, by the way) as the base? 

 

That should work pretty well. I’m sure there’s some Austin hipster manufacturing bitters.  

Edited December 8, 2020 by billfromlaketravis

[Hornius Emeritus 12450]

4 minutes ago, HornOnTheBayou said:

Maybe a sazerac with some pecan flavoring of some sort?

I'm not real good at coming up with drink ideas, but I'll be happy to volunteer as your taste tester.

I have actually seen a pecan liqueur somewhere, and I know that there is also a pecan whiskey but I don't know if either of them are made in Texas.

[Mrs Whiggins 13050]

How awesome that they came to you for inspiration. Really great idea.

I'm not super knowledgeable about mixed drinks, but there's one that my husband has made that uses bourbon and grapefruit? I think it's called a sidecar or something along those lines. IMO, the best grapefruit comes from Texas so that might be an ingredient to play around with. Also, perhaps using agave syrup as a sweetener or in the simple syrup?

Another line of thought is using chili peppers for a hint of spice.

 

I've never been a rum and soda drinker, but Dr. Pepper is Texan. Don't know what you'd pair with it though. I take my Dr. Pepper straight.

Edited December 8, 2020 by Mrs Whiggins

[Orange&White 5522]

How about something like an Arnold Palmer with some bourbon in it?

[HornOnTheBayou 8915]

15 minutes ago, Hornius Emeritus said:

I have actually seen a pecan liqueur somewhere, and I know that there is also a pecan whiskey but I don't know if either of them are made in Texas.

There's Pecan St rum made in Pflugerville. Honestly though, I'm not a huge fan of it.

I had a drink at Geraldine's a couple of years ago that used pecan orgeat, but that 's not an ingredient the average bar would carry.

[Neonmoon 38129]

The Rio Grande Valley aka The RGV

Tito’s Vodka 

Triple Sec 

Topo Chico 

Grapefruit juice 

Pickled Jalapeño 

 

 

 

[Mack Tripper 696]

Neither Topo nor Bourbon are from Texas.

[DalTxHornFan 3097]

Whatever you do, name it after Governor Connally, the Father of Liquor by the Drink in Texas:  https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/byob/

 

Edited December 8, 2020 by DalTxHornFan

[Mack Tripper 696]

Neither Topo nor Bourbon are from Texas.

Or Tequila for that matter.

[CooterBrown 18004]

Mexican Chicken...1oz tequila, 1oz Wild Turkey, garnish with a picked jalapeño.

[RPM 26317]

Something with Texas citrus and Tito's.

[NotActuallyALonghorn 4975]

Sotol, peychauds bitters (or some other Texas made bitters in a similar fashion), local honey, and peeled orange or grapefruit muddled in the glass. Light the peel on fire for a bit and drop in the glass or muddle in the glass before pouring in the liquor.

[deadshank 24652]

10 hours ago, Mack Tripper said:

Neither Topo nor Bourbon are from Texas.

But they got here as fast as they could. 

[Horn Draoi 254]

11 hours ago, Mrs Whiggins said:

How awesome that they came to you for inspiration. Really great idea.

I'm not super knowledgeable about mixed drinks, but there's one that my husband has made that uses bourbon and grapefruit? I think it's called a sidecar or something along those lines. IMO, the best grapefruit comes from Texas so that might be an ingredient to play around with. Also, perhaps using agave syrup as a sweetener or in the simple syrup?

Another line of thought is using chili peppers for a hint of spice.

 

I've never been a rum and soda drinker, but Dr. Pepper is Texan. Don't know what you'd pair with it though. I take my Dr. Pepper straight.

After 50 years of trying, i can assure you that no alcoholic beverage mixed with Dr Pepper meets with my taste buds’ approval

[Horn Draoi 254]

Texas vodka, Valley grapefruit juice, dash of jalapeño juice, few drops of rosemary bitters.  May need a few drops agave syrup, too.

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

Well, my offering would be what I call a Coco-tonic:

Titos doesn't make coconut flavored Vodka (Coconut vodka or coconut rum is my go to for this drink) so my set up would be 

generous vodka pour over ice, and a squeezed lime in a tall glass.

Splash of coconut milk (flavor only)

Splash of Fresh OJ

Top with tonic, it should be a very very very  translucent orange color, and the coconut flavor should come forward taking you to a beach in the Caribbean.

It's not very sweet at all if you don't use more than a just a splash of OJ. It's been my go to Summer beach drink for a few years now.

[Judge Roybeanbag 11819]

52 minutes ago, Horn Draoi said:

Texas vodka, Valley grapefruit juice, dash of jalapeño juice, few drops of rosemary bitters.  May need a few drops agave syrup, too.

Or sub this stuff for the Vodka.  It's actually fermented from jalapenos, not grain.  

[Horn Draoi 254]

I have to try that Texas Jalapeño!  Thanks-

[Judge Roybeanbag 11819]

26 minutes ago, Horn Draoi said:

I have to try that Texas Jalapeño!  Thanks-

i have not tried it, but it's available at Specs, Total Wine etc.  Reason I suggested it is a friend of mine said he mixed a shot of that, a shot of tequila, Topo Chico and some lime, and it was pretty good.  Don't know if he added any grapefruit juice or agave.  But I would think it would make a pretty badass drink combined with the right stuff.

[Mrs Whiggins 13050]

1 hour ago, Horn Draoi said:

Texas vodka, Valley grapefruit juice, dash of jalapeño juice, few drops of rosemary bitters.  May need a few drops agave syrup, too.

I like the sound of this. I had mentioned the grapefruit in my earlier post because when it comes to citrus and Texas that's always what I think of, even though other types are grown. My dad was from Texas and although I didn't grow up in Texas, every fall he'd place a big order and some time later several cases of grapefruit would arrive. We would feast on that and feel like royalty.

 

Another type of ingredient I can think of with a Texas homage but might be ruled out by your 'summer/heat' qualification  would be a beef stock of some sort, kind of like a bullshot (vodka and beef broth). My husband used to make it when we lived up north but I think of it as a winter cocktail not summer. I also don't know if bars keep stuff like that around. Some folks call the bullshot a type of bloody mary because it replaces the tomato juice with the beef, but if you mix the two together and use bourbon instead of vodka, and some spice and Liquid Smoke it might be an interesting 'chili' drink. Adding back the tomato juice allows it to be chilled for summer.

 

 

[elfenix 34223]

i can't drink sazeracs in the summer?

[PantsTent 2002]

Incorporate prickly pear somehow?

 

[Hornius Emeritus 12450]

1 minute ago, PantsTent said:

Incorporate prickly pear somehow?

 

That's what I was thinking about last night. Maybe as a garnish?     I almost couldn't fall asleep as my mind was just swirling with half-formed ideas.  

I think Dripping Springs makes a lemon-flavored vodka. Seems like that could be incorporated into something.

[MalibuSheriff 1090]

Balmorhea High Dive:

Pecos cantaloupe slices blended

Tequila

Spring water (Ozarka not Balmorhea water you heretics)

Ice

Garnish with chile salt

[GreenspointTexas 9598]

The base spirit absolutely needs to be Sotol. Its the only spirit/plant native to Texas. Anything else is hogwash. Lol vodka?

 

Desert Door doesnt make the best sotol, but they are a Texas brand and make sotol with plants only grown in Texas. 

 

1 oz Sotol

0.5 oz Prickly pear syrup (Cheris brand or gtfo)

0.5 oz Aperol

0.5 oz lime

top with Topo Chico (can be regular, or lime/grapefruit flavor if u want something a lil different)

 

 

Youre welcome

[SmokeyTheBear 5562]

2 minutes ago, GreenspointTexas said:

The base spirit absolutely needs to be Sotol. Its the only spirit/plant native to Texas. Anything else is hogwash. Lol vodka?

 

Desert Door doesnt make the best sotol, but they are a Texas brand and make sotol with plants only grown in Texas. 

 

1 oz Sotol

0.5 oz Prickly pear syrup (Cheris brand or gtfo)

0.5 oz Aperol

0.5 oz lime

top with Topo Chico (can be regular, or lime/grapefruit flavor if u want something a lil different)

 

 

Youre welcome

And it makes the most interesting cocktails. Some of the best cocktails I've had ever, came from Desert Door tasting room using their product. 

[Hornius Emeritus 12450]

I just realized that any signature Trace of Texas drink is going to have to use this for ice, right?

https://www.amazon.com/Stampola-Silicone-Texas-Cube-Small/dp/B01G41YB4E

[luke duke 6412]

What ever we come up with needs to include 1 part aggy tears.

[South Austin 52454]

Tito’s + mayo + crushed Funyons + ice

[TonyTexas 10508]

You could make a shandy using a Texas beer. 

1 1/2 ounces grapefruit juice

1 1/2 ounces simple syrup

3 ounces water

6 ounces beer

Garnish: grapefruit slice

[Hornius Emeritus 12450]

6 minutes ago, TonyTexas said:

You could make a shandy using a Texas beer. 

1 1/2 ounces grapefruit juice

1 1/2 ounces simple syrup

3 ounces water

6 ounces beer

Garnish: grapefruit slice

While that sounds refreshing, and maybe even tasty,  it's not quite heavy duty enough.  

[Horn Draoi 254]

Sotol? Nopales garnish? Texas Jalapeño liquor?  My credit cards and my liver may have to suffer in the name of creative experimentation-

[dirtonia 269]

Lean + Sprite

[RMac5 1551]

Honey simple syrup, bitters, bourbon and fresh lemon juice something or another.

Edited December 9, 2020 by RMac5

[irishtexan 11515]

Balcones rye, toasted pecan bitters, angostura, simple, Texas shaped ice cube.

I’ve never had pecan bitters, so it may be gross. But it’s worth a try

[Covri 6244]

4 hours ago, Hornius Emeritus said:

While that sounds refreshing, and maybe even tasty,  it's not quite heavy duty enough.  

Just replace the beer with dripping springs vodka in the same amount.