Willamette Valley-themed Cocktail Recipe
With so many artisan distilleries popping up all over the state, it was high time to have an event showcasing what locals are creating with these special libations. James West, bartender at Eugene’s Marché Restaurant, knew that he had a great chance at competing in the “Create the Oregon Bounty Cocktail” contest, where contestants were asked to choose a region of the state and use at least one Oregon craft spirit in the recipe. For this Willamette Valley resident, the cherry and hazelnut tie-in was a no-brainer, and his recipe quickly rose to the top of the nearly 200 entries to become one of seven finalists. Without further ado, here is his recipe:
Cherry-Hazelnut Smash
Region: The Willamette Valley
Serves 1
1 ½ oz. Rogue Spirits Hazelnut Rum
½ oz. Clear Creek Distillery Kirschwasser
5 organic Oregon cherries, pitted and halved
2 Oregon hazelnuts, roasted but not salted
Muddle cherries and one hazelnut in a cocktail shaker, twisting and pressing firmly, cracking the nut and pressing the juice out of the cherries. Fill the shaker halfway with ice, add rum and Kirschwasser. Shake vigorously and strain into a large cocktail bucket glass. Garnish with the remaining whole hazelnut and one cherry half on a pick.
Yum, doesn’t this make you think of the Willamette Valley? Let us know if you give this treat a try!
-The Editors
Photo courtesy of the Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County
