Mike's Mix: Pat's Tap's Blood & Snow

Every Saturday, Mike Augustyniak picks up a new cocktail recipe from a local mixologist. This week, he heads to Pat's Tap for a new spin on an old Hollywood classic -- the Blood & Snow.

Ingredients

1 oz Label 5 scotch
½ oz blood orange puree
¾ oz Aperol
¾ oz Cocchi De Torino sweet vermouth
¼ oz Nux Alpina Black Walnut Liqueur

Directions

Shake all ingredients over ice, and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

Taste Test

The classic cocktail known as the Blood and Sand was too sweet for bartender Mike Nicolosi. So, he replaced the traditional Cherry Heering with Aperol, swapped in blood orange puree for orange juice, added walnut liqueur, and changed the proportions a bit.

Whew.

What resulted is a refreshing, light drink with a hint of smoke, that Mike calls the Blood and Snow.

About Pat's Tap

Pat's Tap is located on Nicollet Avenue South on 35th Street West. You'll know you're in the right place when you see a row of skeeball alleys.