Drink of the Week: The Lancaster
Where: Proof

When Adam Bernbach was at Bar Pilar, he was among my favorite bartenders in town. He also briefly co-authored a cocktail column for us. It was a major coup when Proof was able to add Bernbach to their already heady booze team. And from the look of Proof’s drink menu, it’s turned into a great way for the bartender to spread his wings. The cocktail menu has recently expanded from a brief panel of drinks to a multi-pager. The classic Blood and Sand is fantastic, with Johnnie Walker Black Label and Dolin sweet vermouth. Fans from Bar Pilar will also see old favorites, such as the First Light, and the Darkside.

One of my new favorites is The Lancaster, which features Bulleit bourbon, Fernet Branca, maple syrup, Fee’s Aromatic Bitters, and orange peel. Call it a vaguely mentholated take on an old fashioned. Fernet Branca is a digestif that is supposed to be good for what ails you. (I like to drink it neat when I have a cough.) The Lancaster is ideal after a heavy night of eating, or if you’re looking for something dark and rich. The maple syrup adds a caramelized sweetness that plays off nicely against the dark woodiness of the Fernet and bitters. With this weekend’s predicted snow, I’d love to curl up with one of these.