Tyler Wang is the bar manager at The Kirkland Tap & Trotter in Somerville, MA.
Winter, spring, summer or fall, you will always find me drinking gin and vermouth. I know most people move towards heaver spirits in the winter; I’m just not one of them. The first time anyone smells gin they say, “It smells like Christmas trees”, so it seems natural to have the two together.
This year at Kirkland–and over Christmas dinner–I’ll be making a drink with Grand Ten Distillery’s Wireworks Reserve (aged) gin, Cocchi’s Americano Rosa, and Galliano Ristretto. Each ingredient brings both a richness and elegance befitting of the cooler months, and the coffee/cocoa element of ristretto adds a warmth that makes you feel right at home.
It’s a little bittersweet when you take your first sip, but as it warms up you find comfort in its elegance. That’s why we call it the Step Mom.
Step Mom
1 ½ oz. Grand Ten Distilling’s Wireworks Reserve aged gin
1 oz. Cocchi Americano Rosa aperitif wine
½ oz. Galliano Ristretto coffee liqueur
Combine ingredients in a mixing pitcher with ice. Stir until chilled and delicious, then carefully strain it into a coupe. Dress it up with a little orange oil and a swath of orange peel. Serve that baby to your favorite guest or keep it for yourself and enjoy!
