Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry , the possessor of New York ’s celebrated Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog ( aka the World ’s Best Bar according toTales of the Cocktail ) have created cocktail magic once again with their new measure BlackTail . WhileDead Rabbitchannels 1800s New York , BlackTailtaps into proscription - Era Cuba . The name references the small seaplane - whose tail end were painted black - that ferried thirsty Manhattanites in search ofrumand cocktails from New York to Havana during that time .
The cocktail menu is a substantial list of 50 Cuban - inspired cocktails divided into five categories : highball , punch , dark , old - fashioned and house cocktail . On a recent visit , we were peculiarly impressed by the diverse raiment of like an expert craftedDaiquiris , which range from frozen to strawberry to banana tree . But our favorite potable was , unexpectedly , BlackTail ’s take on aRum & Coke .
The Rum & Coke is a difficult beverage to reinvent . There ’s just not that much wiggle way given the limited , essential ingredients ( rummy and Coca - Cola ) . But BlackTail heading barkeep Jesse Vida found a way . First , he dilutes Coca - Cola sirup ( typically used in a bar ’s soda artillery ) withsimple syrupand then adds Champagne for bubbliness . “ It just made signified to pair Champagne with colon , ” Vida says . “ Champagne is dry and very bright , with pinch of fruit and brioche — all things that pair well with the flavor of Costa Rican colon . ” Then , he blend that high - low effervescent concoction with Dead Rabbit ’s Orinocobitters , Fernet Branca and Facunda Neo ashen rum . The resulting cocktail satisfies both Rum & Coke diehards and cocktail geeks .
BlackTail
For those who ca n’t drop into BlackTail to try this revolutionary take on the tested and reliable drink , we were lucky enough to score the formula .
BlackTail’s Rum & Coke
1 oz Bacardi Facundo Neo.75 oz Cola Syrup ( see below).5 teaspoon Fernet Branca1 dashOrinoco Bitters4 oz Champagne , chilledLemon twist , for garnish
Method : tally all element except for the garnish and Champagne to a highball or double old - fashioned glass and add cubed internal-combustion engine . Top with Champagne and stir with a barroom spoonful to incorporate . Garnish with a lemon twist .
Cola Syrup : tally equal partspremade Cola syrupandsimple syrupto a mason jar or sealable container . shake off to integrate .
note of hand : For a refreshing and round-eyed brunch cocktail , essay a simple commixture of Cola Syrup and Champagne . decant one snow leopard of Cola Syrup into a Champagne fluting and top with chill Champagne . Stir to unify and garnish with a lemon turn .
