The boy and his poison: Our Dirty Secret

Writing cocktail recipes is an amazing form of therapy. I could easily have filed this week into the 'compound bad news' category. However, bad news for me means a lovable, roguish cocktail-correspondent, stumbling home in the early evening, excitedly debating how he could make something spectacular for Domestic Sluttery readers using just the ingredients he had in his fridge.

Inspiration struck around 2am as a coke can came (somewhat) into focus and the outcome is a drink that has now appointed itself to my fortnightly cocktail rotation like it always belonged there. With a little work, the ‘secret syrup’ (aka cola reduction) can be easily achieved. Add that that to some bourbon and kirsch and you have a deceptively complex cocktail.

You’ll need:

• 50ml Bourbon/Rye
• 50ml Secret Syrup
• 25ml Kirsch
• 10ml or a hefty squeeze of lime juice
• A can of coke

Make the syrup:

1. Add the can of cola to a small saucepan.
2. Bring the coke to a simmer.
3. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by half.
4. Leave to cool then, decant to a small bottle.

Now shake:

1. Add the bourbon, syrup, kirsch and lime to a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry shake for a couple of seconds.
3. Add ice to the shaker.
4. Shake again for 10 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.