When GO Brooklyn caught up with cocktail master Toby Maloney (pictured), he was in Chicago developing the summer menu for Violet Hour, his Windy City cocktail lounge.
But it was Williamsburg — his home for 11 years — that was on Maloney’s mind. Citing late-night kickball games in McCarren Park, the backyard at Union Pool — “You can smoke and drink at the same time!” — and the view from East River State Park, Maloney dreamed up a cocktail for us that he said is just right for a steamy summer night, or Fourth of July party, in Brooklyn.
“Mint and lemon are such great summer flavors,” he said. “And when you add whiskey, well nothing says ‘summer’ like that.”
Toby Maloney’s Whiskey Smash
1.5 oz Bulleit bourbon
.5 oz Demerara syrup (Equal parts raw sugar and water)
4 lemon wedges
4 mint sprigs
1 dash orange bitters
Muddle lemon wedges in a metal shaker. Add four sprigs of mint. Bruise mint gently. Add bourbon and syrup. Add ice. Shake. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Enjoy.
