Hot Scott McDavid

West’s David Wolowidnyk devised this twist on hot buttered rum to ignite memories of Christmas past.

From West restaurant’s West: The Cookbook

Hot cocktails have a great ability to warm us up on cold-weather days, providing comfort and relaxation. This cocktail features flavours that bring memories of Christmas and hot buttered rum, adding a twist with the spice of ginger, savoury taste of clove and a light addition of smoke from the Scotch. Its buttery flavour comes from actual butter, which serves as the garnish. The drink should be stirred before each sip to ensure that the smooth texture and flavour carries through to the end of the drink.

Hot Scott McDavid

1 slice ginger, dime-thick and approximately 1 inch in diameter
2 tsp brown sugar
2 cloves
2 wedges of lemon
8 oz boiling water
1 1/2 ounces Famouse Grouse or other scotch
1 tsp unsalted butter

Place ginger, sugar, 1 clove and lemon wedges into a mixing glass and muddle well. Add 3 oz of boiling water and allow to sit for about 3 minutes. Strain the infused water through a tea strainer into a heated tea or coffee cup. Add Scotch and top with boiling water. If necessary, adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity to taste with additional sugar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Finish the drink with the butter and remaining clove, then stir and serve.

Cookbook available at Barbara Jo’s Books to Cooks.

Watch videos of David mixing cocktails here.