Aces and Eights

 

 

Story

“Aces and eights” is a reference to what’s also known as the “dead man’s hand” in poker: two black aces and two black eights.  Legend has it that Wild Bill Hickock was holding this hand when he was shot in the back at a poker table.  There is absolutely no evidence that this was the case, but I don’t see why that should make a difference.  The drink itself is a flavor bomb that was invented by bartender Jarred Weigand in 2016 at the New York bar Death & Company.  Coffee is a prominent flavor, but the amaro and bitters add chocolate and spice notes.  The tequila adds richness to the drink but the tequila flavor itself only peeks out shyly from the background.  You can think of this as a type of Old Fashioned, which is a spirit (tequila), sweetener (amaro, vanilla simple), and bitters (mole bitters, coffee liqueur).  This cocktail is both bold and easy to drink.  Bang!

Recipe
2 oz reposado tequila
0.5 oz Meletti Amaro
1 tsp Mr. Black cold brew coffee liqueur
1 tsp vanilla simple syrup  (1:100 vanilla extract to simple syrup, very roughly)
1 dash Bittermens Mole Bitters
-measure ingredients into mixing glass with ice.  Stir to chill. Strain into rocks glass over ice.
-express orange twist and use as a garnish.