This week marked the return of NASCAR season (I don’t include the cluster Clash two weeks ago which was overshadowed by Mother Nature bringing down its wrath on California). I started watching the premiere Cup series about mid-way through last year, became a fast Kyle Larson fan, and regretfully now find myself juggling my Sunday schedules around motorsports. I am still learning the intricacies of the different racetracks and racing strategies, though surprisingly can name most drivers based on their car wraps and/or number. For those still out of the loop, there is a lot more to it than just “driving in circles.” The book accompanying this week’s beverage delves deeply into the science behind racing, which for a STEM geek is right up my alley.
I began formulating my cocktail this week with the sidecar, traditionally a mix of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. With a gin substitution and a bit of layering, the Hendrick 5 Car was born. The choice of gin was actually a pleasant surprise as I found it very cocktail friendly without an overpowering herbal or floral note. I found some inexpensive cupcake toppers on Amazon and performed some creative modifications for my garnishes. You could alternatively use a simple lemon peel and the sugar rim is optional (I did a half sugar rim to keep the garnish sticks from getting messy). The large round ice cube mold helps to slow the addition of the second layer and keeps the layers separated for a really attractive presentation. The blue curacao slowly mixes in during consumption and does not have to be mixed to be enjoyable.
Gather your ingredients: Hendrick’s gin; Cointreau; lemon; Blue Curacao; and sugar for rimming. Large round ice cube mold and racecar/ checkered flag for garnish. Jigger or scale/ measuring spoons, citrus squeezer, and rocks glass for serving complete the setup.
Hendrick 5 Car
0.25 oz Blue Curacao (or enough to coat bottom of glass)
2 oz Hendrick’s gin
0.5oz Cointreau
0.5oz lemon juice
Sugar, for rimming
Racing garnishes
Round ice cube mold
Run half a lemon around the rim of a rocks glass and roll in sugar to rim glass. Place aside.
Place gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a shaker half-filled with ice and shake for 20 seconds.
Pour Blue Curacao into rocks glass to coat the bottom. Carefully place large ice cube in center of glass.
Slowly pour contents of shaker over the back of a spoon and over ice cube to layer. Garnish with flag and racecar.
Although an older edition and the stock cars have gone through at least one major structural change since publishing, “The Physics of NASCAR – The Science behind the Speed” by Diandra Leslie-Pelecky, gives a great introduction into the chemistry and physics involved in race car construction and function, and the importance of the entire NASCAR team in bringing home a win. Two chapters in and I am deeply invested and am eager to find out more. Alas, the Daytona 500 is about to begin so that will have to wait. Enjoy, and remember to please drink responsibly 🙂
Birds, Books and Bourbon 