Celebrated Spirits: How to Start a Fire

By Peggy’s Whiskey & Cocktails

Raise your glass to the magic that happens when cold weather meets a warm mixology touch.

As the temps drop, the cozy spirits rise at Peggy’s Whiskey & Cocktails. Their libations ignite the senses and bring a touch of warmth to every sip. In this aptly named winter-inspired cocktail, you’ll experience the flavors of sweet caramel, hickory smoke, and refreshing citrus. The smoky and sour notes harmonize perfectly with rich and salty pairings, such as Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll or a Reuben, which you can retrieve from the neighboring pub.

Peggy’s is a love letter to classic cocktails. This bar is more of a classic car show than a trade show where you’ll come see new concept cars, though we do use modern science and techniques to ensure the best execution possible of the classics. Our aim is to be an oasis of calm, composed hospitality stuck right in the middle of one of the most active areas in the city.

– Greg Ewan, Master Mixologist

2 ounces bourbon
3/4 ounce lemon juice
3/4 ounce turbinado syrup
1 egg white
Everclear
Angostura Bitters
liquid smoke

Combine ingredients through egg white in a shaker and dry shake. Add ice and shake again, then double strain into a chilled coupe.

Create a misting solution of about 90% Everclear, 7% Angostura bitters, and 3% liquid smoke. Fill Misto sprayer 75% full. Compress and spray through a blow torch over the drink

It’s a traditional whiskey sour with a hickory smoke brûlée. Expanding on Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s Brûléed Pisco Sour technique, we similarly use a Misto sprayer filled with high-proof alcohol and Angostura Bitters, but the addition of liquid hickory smoke to the mix allows the brûlée to add scent and flavor to go along with the aesthetic effect. The smoke scents and flavors just the top of the foam, never breaking through to the liquid below, resulting in a layer of smoky flavor and scent on the attack, with a pure sour to rinse your palate clean every sip, preventing the smoke flavor from layering and becoming taxing by the end of the drink.

– Greg Ewan

About Peggy’s Whiskey & Cocktails: Peggy’s Whiskey & Cocktails opened in June of 2023 in the heart of Glenwood Downtown and quickly became a favorite for those who enjoy innovative libations. Their winter menu is a scientific journey into perfecting classic cocktails. From Nitrogen Muddled Mojitos to Microwaved Manhattans, they redefine cocktail experiences.

@peggysatthepub
311 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh

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