The GOBBLED KNOB Cocktail

Since it was Groundhog's Day and Puxsatawny Phil looks for his shadow at Gobbler's Knob in Puxsatawny, PA, I had to do a Google search to see if there was such a thing as a Gobbler's Knob cocktail. Not one, not a gobble in the bunch. Poor Phil, nothing to keep him warm in case he sees his shadow. Whether he does or doesn't see his shadow, I've decided to correct that and give Phil and all his buddies in and near Gobblers Knob a signature cocktail, shadow or no shadow.

There is a Tender Knob cocktail floating around in Alcoholdom, often made with apple, sometimes made with orange, but always made with a whiskey base, either bourbon or rye. Both fruits pair well with whiskey and are winter fruits which suit the season. These gave me a good starting point for a cocktail ode to Puxsatawny Phil, his shadow and Groundhog Day.

I decided to use pear, which is another winter fruit that works well with whiskey. In a playful nod to Knob and Gobbler I chose two whiskies (mainly because of their names) as my main spirit and, for the sweetener, the East Coast flavor of maple syrup. Next I added a dash of hope for spring with some rhubarb bitters.

The
GOBBLED KNOB
Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:
1 Oz Knob Creek Bourbon
1/2 Oz Wild Turkey 101
1/4 Oz Amontillado Sherry
2 Oz Caramelized Pear Puree
1/4 Oz Fresh Orange Juice 2 Tablespoons of Pasteurized Egg Whites
1 Tsp. Maple Syrup
2 Dashes of Frape & Sons Rhubarb Bitters
1 Dash Orange Bitters Ice

GARNISH: Caramelized Orange Slice, Caramelized Pear Cubes

GLASS: Coupe

TOOLS: Cocktail Shaker

DIRECTIONS:
Caramelize the orange slice and pear cubes by coating in sugar and heating in a saute pan until the sugar caramelizes. Set on wax or parchment paper to cool.
Chill the glass in the freezer.
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice (this is known as dry shaking) and shake vigorously for a good minute or until the egg emulsifies and builds up a nice foam. Add the ice then shake until chilled.
Pour into your chilled glass, garnish and serve.   This one is good enough to enjoy no matter what day it is, sorry Phil, you'll have to share.

Happy Groundhog Day!  

Updated 2-2019

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY