Happy Friday before Labor Day, everyone!  I am back and here is tonight’s tipple – the Hunter Cocktail. Recently, I was reading a viewpoint about mixing cocktails with few high quality ingredients being courageous. I will admit that I all acts of creation take a modicum of courage – it exposes the creator to criticism and review regardless of the ingredient count. The beauty is that people take the chance to share something and extend their experience and knowledge, regardless of the accolades or critique. This is one of those cocktails; ingeniously simple and full of flavor. It is perfect for saying goodbye to summer with its cherry influence while saying hello to fall with its warming bourbon. The origins of this cocktail are clouded in mystery, but it does come highly recommended by famed bartender Hidetsugu Ueno at his High Five bar in Ginzo, Tokyo, Japan. So let’s take his recommendation and enjoy this cocktail for its daring simplicity and start this long weekend on a High Five note!

Chill a cocktail glass. In a mixing glass, add the bourbon, Heering, Maraschino, and bitters. Fill halfway with ice and stir to chill well. Strain into the chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry and/or orange twist, if desired.

Enjoy!