Scotch, Sherry, and Concord Cocktail

Special equipment

blender, fine mesh strainer

Ingredients

serves makes 1 cocktail, makes enough grape syrup for about 12 cocktails, active time 20 minutes, total time 4 hours

• For the Concord Grape Syrup:
• 1 1/2 cups Concord grapes, stems removed (8 ounces with stems)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
•  
• For the Cocktail:
• 1 1/2 ounces blended Scotch
• 3/4 ounce Oloroso Sherry
• 3/4 ounce Concord grape syrup
• 1/4 ounce juice from 1 lemon
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel, for garnish (optional)

Procedures

1. For the Concord Grape Syrup: Pulse the grapes a few times on low speed in a blender then puree on low for a few seconds, until the grape skins are chopped and the grape flesh is slightly broken down. Combine the rough grape puree with the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over very low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should only simmer for the last 3 minutes of its cooking time. Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh sieve, gently pressing the solids to extract the liquid. Refrigerate until completely cool.
   
2. For the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Scotch, sherry, grape syrup, lemon juice, and bitters. Shake until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lemon peel if desired.