Cocktail of the week: The Hell Toupée
The US election looms, so why not celebrate by playing your trump cocktail card?
Words: Jonathan Wells
The polls are close. The voters are poised. The election is coming.
Whatever the outcome of Tuesday’s vote, the world will no doubt doggedly accept the new leader of the free world with pragmatism and, depending on who makes it into the Oval Office, a good deal of drinking.
So, if you’re looking to get a head start on the increasingly inevitable binging, why not head to one of the many bars worldwide offering themed cocktails – pitched to either celebrate or commiserate next week’s vote?
One such establishment, K Bar in Town House Kensington, has outdone itself. In preparation for an all-night US election party-cum-political gathering next Tuesday, Bar Manager Ben Manchester has created a selection of congressional cocktails for all to enjoy.
But, alongside the tequila-based Other Side of the Wall, bourbon and maple Swing State, whisky sour variant Swing State, and lemon gin White Lady, the crowning cocktail glory is surely the Hell Toupée, a fiery twist on the classic Manhattan.
To recreate this trump card of a cocktail at home, you’ll need a measure and a half of rye whisky – Manchester suggests Rittenhouse 100 Proof – one measure of King’s Ginger Liqueur and half a measure of Belsazar White Vermouth.
Begin by filling a stainless steel cocktail shaker with ice, and then combine all the ingredients. Stir for around half a minute with a long bar spoon and then strain into a chilled coupe or similar cocktail glass. Garnish with a simple orange twist and, if you’re feeling particularly patriotic, a small US flag. God bless America.
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