LeNell It All - Little Bit of Country

by LeNell Smothers, Posted Sep 30th 2009 @ 5:00PM

Photo: Scott W. Baker

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 has been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.

The moving truck rolls into Brooklyn this week. The big international move to Mexico has been brutal to organize, but -- lucky me! -- I had the very cool cats called Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (LUPEC) host a splendid Hasta Luego shindig in my honor.

One of the members, Elayne Duke, served up an original creation she called "Little Bit of Country," that's perfect for the chill coming in the air these days. Her cocktail pretty much sums me up: kick of bourbon, little sweetness, nice tartness, touch of spiciness and just enough bitter to balance it all out. My Granny sent me a fabulous leopard-print dress to wear that just had to have a pink feather boa for the party ... and I sported my cowboy boots for a "little bit of country."

Little Bit of Country
Recipe by Elayne Duke

1 1/2 ounces Bulleit bourbon
1/4 ounce Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
3/4 ounce jalapeño-infused maple syrup*
Dash of Angostura
Flamed orange zest

Mix all ingredients and serve over ice.

*Split two jalapeños and set seeds aside. Add seeds and pepper to 16 ounces of Grade A maple syrup. Let it infuse for a minimum of 6 hours.

Filed Under: Drink Recipes, How To
Tags: bourbon, cocktails, jalapenos, lenell it all, lenell smothers, LenellItAll, LenellSmothers, maple syrup, MapleSyrup, mexico