Happy Hour: The LH-ish Boilermaker

I thought boilermakers require the following:

1. A shot glass full of liquor plopped into a pint of beer
2. A bunch of frat boys chugging as fast as possible
3. A lot of high-fiving and howling

That is until last week. Mr. Mari and I went to Laurel Hardware and on their tidy list of cocktails was the LH Boilermaker. Intrigued, Mr. Mari ordered one, and then another. Fantastic. Their boilermaker comprised of Buffalo Trace bourbon, Luxardo Apricot, lemon juice, and Magic Hat #9 Ale. Mr. Mari and I both noted that our bartender snuck some other brown elixir into the mixing tin that’s not listed - but no matter. I was converted. It got me thinking about all the drinks one could make with just the simple concept of liquor + beer. Endless. No wonder there’s so many high-fives and woop-woops.

This boilermaker is an riff off of the one Mr. Mari had at Laurel Hardware. Also, my Collins glass can hold 18-ounces of liquid so if your glass is smaller, dial back all the ingredients. These are thumpingly strong drinks so be careful!

THE LH-ish BOILERMAKER - serves one so you should double the recipe!

1-1/2 ounces Bulleit or bourbon
3/4-ounce Combier or triple sec
1/4-ounce lemon juice
6-ounces Golden Road Hefeweizen or wheat beer
Lemon wedge garnish

In a cocktail shaker, add a cup of ice, bourbon, triple sec and lemon juice. Shake until very well chilled. Strain into a large Collins glass and top with wheat beer. Garnish with lemon wedge and enjoy!

Note: You can make a big batch of it if you’re having company. Just chill the bourbon, triple sec and lemon juice in a non-reactive pitcher in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, stir it up a bit, measure 4-1/4 ounces into your mixing tin with ice and shake shake shake.

(Cocktail shaker by Asprey)