The Restraining Order Recipe

[Photo: Robyn Lee]

On Wednesday I wrote about Boozehound, the recently released book from Washington Post spirits columnist Jason Wilson that covers his explorations of the world of drinks. Here's a cocktail Wilson introduces in the book that has an especially dramatic flavor: the Restraining Order.

Credited to Philadelphia bartender Colin Shearn of Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., the Restraining Order is based on the mellow, vegetal character of reposado tequila. Agave spirits have a natural affinity for the crisp bitterness of Italian amari, and in this drink Shearn complements the tequila with a dose of Aperol, a bright, low-alcohol aperitif liqueur with a potent, complex flavor dominated by bitter oranges and rhubarb. Accented with several dashes of celery bitters and a big squeeze of orange peel atop the finished cocktail, the drink has a powerful pop of herbaceous flavor and a delicate, nuanced balance.