LeNell It All - The Lost Wager

by LeNell Smothers, Posted Sep 9th 2009 @ 5:00PM

The Lost Wager. Photo: LeNell Smothers

Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things -- most recently, the proprietress of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label called Red Hook Rye and been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.

Do you ever get a little argumentative when you've imbibed a little too much? Alcohol consumption often does loosen up the tongue. After a few drinks with my best friend Ben, I recently got all belligerent about Scotch cocktails.

Anybody who knows me knows I love my American whiskeys: bourbon, rye, wheat, even corn whiskey. I'll always prefer bourbon over Scotch -- although, I do enjoy plenty of Scotch whiskeys too. But I've rarely had a Scotch cocktail that made me want to come back for more.

Ben tells me that I made a bet under the influence of bourbon that there was no such thing as a good Scotch cocktail. Taking the challenge, he put his magic fingers to work. We discovered the wonderful pairing of fresh ginger, almond syrup called "orgeat," Scotch and soda water. Needless to say I lost the bet and this twist on the classic scotch and soda was born. I came back for more, too.

The Lost Wager

6 quarter-size ginger slices
1 1/2 ounces Scotch
1 ounce orgeat
Soda water

Muddle ginger. Add orgeat and Scotch. Stir. Strain into ice filled Collins glass. Top with splash of soda water.

Filed Under: Cocktail Hour, Drink Recipes, How To
Tags: cocktails, lenell it all, LenellItAll, lenellsmothers, lost wager, LostWager, scotch, scotch cocktail, scotch whisky, ScotchAndSoda, ScotchCocktail, ScotchWhisky