If anybody offers you a drink named after a snake, you should not feel ashamed to ask what was used to make the asply named beverage, and you should also not be surprised when you find out how much alcohol is hidden within. While this particular drink was actually named for the Diamondback Lounge it was originally served in, one sip on today's tipple and you'll immediately understand that the title is indeed a double entendre I've no doubt its creator chuckled to themselves over as they passed one to an unsuspecting guest.
It is best imbibed proceeding a long hot day 100 feet in the air driving hot rivets into steel girders, or preceeding a long philosophical discussion of your latest existential crisis. If this sounds like your kind of drink, fantastic. Many may want to tone it down though, so while the recipe calls for Green Chartreuse, I've heard many recommend substituting it for the milder Yellow variety, and you should absolutely go that route if you think you'll enjoy it more. I also found it somewhat difficult to track down Applejack for the recipe, so I've instead opted for the Pere Magloire Calvados, an apple brandy that seemed to fit the bill. Anywho, try it for yourself, just take em' slow, lest they take you quick:
The Diamondback
- 1 1/2 oz rye (Rittenhouse Bond, or other ~100 proof rye if you can)
- 3/4 oz Applejack brandy
- 3/4 oz Green or Yellow (Milder) Chartreuse
- (optional) cherry for garnish
Simply pour your ingredients over ice and give a good long stir, till the glass sweats just as profusely as your brow did during your days hard work. Then give your mixing glass a knowing nod to acknowledge it's dutifully served purpose as you strain its contents into an up glass, garnish as you see fit, and let the venom works its magic.