A New Tequila Cocktail: The Sophisticated Gentleman

Today's post will focus on a great, new tequila cocktail. Readers of this blog may recall that your host spoke favorably in January about Kirkland Brand Extra Anejo Tequila. Most extra anejo tequilas are not priced economically enough to use in everyday cocktails, much like you wouldn't use a nice Macallan for a Rob Roy cocktail. However, the Kirkland brand is a great one to experiment with due to its fair price. After tinkering, your host presents you with The Sophisticated Gentleman Cocktail.

Fans of the Manhattan or other darker, traditionally whiskey-based cocktails may find this new cocktail to their liking. It's also slightly sweeter to appeal to a broader audience. While there may be other cocktails with variations on these ingredients, your host has not seen an exact copy in print. Enjoy!

The Sophisticated Gentleman

2 oz Extra Anejo Tequila
1/2 oz Grand Marnier
1/2 oz Punt e Mes sweet vermouth (a great Italian sweet vermouth that sits between other sweet vermouths and Campari in flavor)
1/4 teaspoon of natural vanilla extract
Several dashes Angostura bitters
Flamed orange twist

In a cocktail glass or shaker, combine ingredients and stir with good quality ice. Strain and serve "up" in a cocktail glass. Flame an orange twist over the rim. As with most dark liquor based cocktails, it is best to stir instead of shake, in order to prevent excessive dilution and a watered-down taste. For fans of a more bitter drink, increase the Punt e Mes and Angostura bitters slightly. In fact, Punt e Mes is an ingredient that ties this cocktail together. Using another sweet vermouth may result in a overly sweet drink. Cocktail enthusiasts with a deep liquor cabinet can substitute Navan for the Grand Marnier and vanilla extract (Navan is a newer product by the Grand Marnier company with natural vanilla essence).