Eric The Red

I've done this cocktail before, but I wanted to return to it with a single malt that is better balanced. I especially liked Highland Park Spirit of the Bear bottling for cocktails. It is fitting to use the distillery that brands itself as the viking scotch for a drink commemorating a viking.

This drinks is rich, but better balanced than the Red Dane (following post) because of the dry vermouth that gives it space and the fact that scotch, especially a single malt like Orkney Highland Park is pretty balanced to begin with. Add to that the high proportion of scotch versus the rest of the ingredients and you have a cocktail that is great and difficult to mess up.

• 1 1/2 oz. scotch (Highland Park Spirit of the Bear used)
• 1/2 oz. Cherry Heering
• 1 tsp. dry vermouth

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass with a large cube (or any fresh ice).