Drink of the Week: Whatever it is, stick a hot poker in it

In his recent Shaken and Stirred column, Barfly favorite Jonathan Miles stopped by L’Ecole to check out the latest in cocktail innovation. This restaurant, run by students at the French Culinary Institute, utilizes an ingredient that you won’t see at many of the other haute-cocktail dens: a red hot poker. After the drink is mixed, the bartender lowers the glowing piece of metal into the cup to create a reaction and add flavor. The picture included doesn’t show the bartender’s face, but we can only assume that he is wearing one of those kinky leather zipper-masks. Anyone who would stick a boiling piece of metal into a poor, unassuming drink is clearly the cocktail version of a sadist.

Turns out that the practice of heating drinks in such a way dates back to the early days of pub going. When bars were heated with coal, Miles contests that the tender would reach for the poker when their patrons asked for a warm drink. Ok – we admit that it’s pretty resourceful. But just because it’s tradition doesn’t mean it’s not twisted. Much like the tradition of “clog dancing”. Sick.

Our favorite part? Miles provides the recipe for the bar’s Red Hot Ale, and encourages the reader to try it at home. Take a peek:

3 ounces amber ale

1 ounce Cognac

1/4 ounce simple syrup

1/4 ounce lemon juice

3 dashes orange bitters

Dash of salt

Heat a clean fireplace poker — an old, seasoned one is best — in the hot coals of a fire until glowing. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, then carefully lower the red-hot tip into the glass. If the poker is hot enough, the alcohol will spontaneously ignite. Don’t fret too much if ignition doesn’t occur — you’ll still get the caramel-like flavor. Hold the poker there until the boiling begins to subside, then remove the poker and serve immediately.

Think brandishing a hot poker in a bar full of tipsy patrons is a challenge? Try maneuvering one from the coal grill on your fire escape to the kitchenette in your studio apartment. We think this “try at home” recipe might be better to try when you’re somewhere with a bit more space. Next time you’re on vacation, just explain to the woman at the bed and breakfast that you need to take the poker to your room because the Styles Section said so.

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