Enjoyed: Sunday, May 26, 2024

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “R & B Old Fashioned”

Ingredients: Bacon Bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura & bruleed bacon

The occasion: After several years of not being able to meet in person, I finally had the chance to share brunch with my dear friend from college, LW. My family was in Indianapolis this Memorial Day weekend for–what else?–the Indianapolis 500, but there weren’t enough tickets for all of us this year. I didn’t really mind. As LW and I laughed and enjoyed each other’s company, we watched the rain showers begin with a vengeance, as the forecast promised. The start of the race was delayed by four long hours, it turned out, but my family waited it out. I was content to not be at the track!

My rating: **** out of 5. The drink was a delicious accompaniment to the shrimp and grits I selected at this Southern-style restaurant. The maple flavor came through clearly, but I was disappointed with the bacon. Yes, I could smell the smoky-saltiness as I raised my glass to my mouth, but the actual strip of bacon within the drink was too limp, too cold, and too greasy. Yes, I ate the bacon anyway, but I would have enjoyed the drink more if crisp candied bacon rested on top of the glass.

Final thoughts: I forgot to get a photo with LW! If I had remembered, the photo would have shown two content women. How much wiser we are now than we were 44 years ago!