Episcopal (Charlotte Edition)
A spirit-forward, meditative blend of the 'Yellow' and 'Green' botanical spectrums, using a high-proof rye backbone to bridge the gap.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Rye whiskey — Willett 4-Year Family Estate — high proof and minty profile essential
- 0.75 oz Strega
- 0.75 oz Coffee liqueur — Luxardo Del Santo recommended
- 2 dashes Grapefruit bitters
Story
The Episcopal is traditionally a 50/50 split of green and yellow Chartreuse. In this adaptation, we use the “clerical” colors of Strega and Luxardo Del Santo. By anchoring these two complex Italian liqueurs with a punchy, 100+ proof rye, the drink moves from a simple liqueur blend into a structured, slow-sipping cocktail that highlights saffron, mace, and mint.
Method
- Combine the rye, Strega, Del Santo, and bitters in a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
- Stir for 30–45 seconds — this drink relies on proper dilution to open up the herbal aromatics.
- Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
- Express a wide grapefruit twist over the drink to brighten the deeper, medicinal notes of the Del Santo.
Notes
- Functions as a split-modifier drink: Strega and Del Santo are usually modifiers, but here they act as a singular botanical base.
- Substituting mezcal for the rye works — add a tiny pinch of saline to make the herbal notes pop against the smoke.