How to commemorate Leonard Cohen’s 75th birthday? With an I’m Your Man(hattan)? Should we dispense some “Johnny Walker wisdom?” What if it’s true that “There ain’t no drink no drug?” A cocktail in his honor could be made with Canadian whiskey, or to honor his smoky voice, a peaty single malt. Cohen may play the baffled king, but he’s still the king, so here’s a variant on the classic King Cole Cocktail (from The Savoy Cocktail Book). Hallelujah.
2 oz blended Scotch (such as The Famous Grouse)
1/2 teaspoon simple syrup
1 teaspoon Fernet Branca
1 Lump of Ice
Combine all ingredients, stir well, and decorate with slices of orange and pineapple.