Chinese Cocktail

For some reason any cocktails associated with China have to be made with dark rum. I'm referring to the Shanghai Cocktail, which is exotic with wormwood notes and spice. Both also have a nice helping of grenadine, which ensures that they are the obligatory red color to signify China.

I have to say that while these drinks have little to do with Chinese ingredients (which would be difficult to do in practice) this one comes closer to authentic Chinese flavors. The sweetness and ginger, clove, vanilla, and cinnamon spices that come from the spiced rum I used and also a healthy dose of Hella aromatic bitters give the drink a flavor similar to Chinese berry spice ice cream--which is surely an American invention but at least made with Chinese spices and enjoyed at Chinese restaurants. This is definitely a dessert drink, with a tablespoon of grenadine, there's no other time to enjoy this drink.

• 2 oz. dark rum
• 1 tbsp. grenadine
• 3-5 dashes of curaco
•  3-5 dashes maraschino liqueur
•  dash of Angostura bitters (Hella aromatic used)

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.