A New Winter Cocktail: Maker's Mark and Branca Menta

I believe in seasonally appropriate cocktails. Something light for Spring, appropriately refreshing for Summer, cozy like a wool sweater for Fall, and warming and comforting for Winter. I've been searching for a new winter cocktail though because my old standard is no longer as warming or comforting as it used to be.

I think I may have found that new winter cocktail courtesy of The Cocktail Chronicles. Called Good Night, Irene it's a dreamy combination of Maker's Mark and Branca Menta.

The only potential problem is that I'm not sure how many bars and restaurants in town actually stock Branca Menta. Bartenders, restaurant owners, knowledgeable drinkers tell me where I can slide up to the bar and order a Good Night, Irene, made properly with Maker's and Branca Menta and I'm there.

Good Night, Irene adapted from a recipe by Audrey Saunders

• 1 1/2 ounces Maker’s Mark
• 1 1/2 ounces Branca Menta

Shake very well with cracked ice, and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.

"that soft, wheated aspect of the Maker’s Mark was made for a drink like this"
- The Cocktail Chronicles

Image courtesy of The Cocktail Chronicles