Little Dix Mix

This strong Southern cocktail may not have you whistling Dixie, but you may strut in a second line. That is because the Little Dix Mix a rum drink, which puts it in the way south territory of New Orleans. New Orleans cocktails make more use of Caribbean rums and liqueurs like creme de bananes

In fact banana liqueur is listed as an ingredient that is intended to sweeten the drink against a half ounce of lime juice. But I used MurLarkey banana whiskey, reasoning that a whiskey and rum drink is even more New Orleans style than a cheap liqueur.

I also am relying on the real banana flavor that lies closer to the heart Jack Daniels, than the banana candy flavor that you find in most creme de bananes liqueurs. It is a ripe and rich flavor that doesn't overpower the other fine ingredients. I also went with Pampero dark rum, which is really rich and dark but not overly sweet or funky. It made for a nice sipping rum cocktail that lasted me a long time. (Note: when using MurLarkey banana whiskey, you have to substitute one teaspoon of sugar syrup because the whiskey is not sweetened like a creme.)

• 2 oz. dark rum (Pampero Aniversario used)
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. creme de bananes (MurLarkey banana whiskey and 1 tsp. sugar used)
• 1 tsp. triple sec

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into an Old Fashioned glass.