Semester Abroad Cocktail Recipe

The Semester Abroad cocktail is a sophisticated blend that evokes the spirit of adventure and the rich experiences one gains from international travel. It's perfect for those with a taste for the bold and the bitter, and it's often enjoyed by seasoned travelers and students reminiscing about their time overseas.

• Inspiration: This cocktail is inspired by the classic flavors of rye whiskey and the bitter notes of Fernet Branca, combined with the sweet citrus of Dry Curacao.
• Popularity: It has gained popularity in cosmopolitan cities and is often served in upscale bars.
• Audience: Ideal for those who appreciate a complex, layered drink.

The Semester Abroad offers a robust and spicy flavor profile from the rye whiskey, complemented by the herbal bitterness of Fernet Branca and the sweet, orangey notes of Dry Curacao. It's a strong, slightly sweet, and complex cocktail with a lingering aftertaste.

• The cocktail's name suggests a rich and diverse experience, much like spending a semester in a foreign country.
• Fernet Branca is a type of amaro, a bitter herbal liqueur from Italy, which adds depth to the cocktail.
• Dry Curacao is a clear liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, originally from the island of Curaçao.

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz of rye whiskey into the glass.
3. Add 1 oz of Dry Curacao.
4. Measure and pour 0.5 oz of Fernet Branca.
5. Stir the ingredients together until well-chilled.
6. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
7. Optionally, garnish with a twist of orange peel to enhance the citrus notes.

• Chill the cocktail glass before serving to keep the drink colder for longer.
• When stirring the cocktail, aim for 30-40 seconds to ensure proper dilution and chilling.
• Express the oils of the orange peel over the glass before adding it as garnish to release more aroma.

Food Pairings

• Charcuterie Boards: The spicy and bold flavors of rye whiskey, coupled with the bitterness of Fernet, will complement a variety of cured meats and hard cheeses.
• Dark Chocolate Desserts: The complexity of the whiskey and the aromatic herbs in Fernet Branca can enhance the experience of indulging in a rich, bittersweet chocolate treat.
• Grilled Steaks: The smoky, charred notes from grilled steak would be a robust match for the 'Semester Abroad' cocktail's depth of flavor.

Drink Pairings

• Coffee: A post-dinner espresso or coffee to accompany the herbal and bitter notes of the cocktail.
• Amber Ale: A beer with caramel notes could provide a lovely contrast and cleanses the palate between sips of this rich cocktail.

• Rye Whiskey: Can be substituted with Bourbon for a sweeter, less spicy profile.
• Dry Curacao: Triple Sec or Cointreau can be used as alternatives, though they may be slightly sweeter.
• Fernet Branca: Other types of amaro can be used, but the unique flavor of Fernet is hard to replicate.

Citrus-Infused Semester

• Drop the Dry Curacao to 0.5 oz and add 0.5 oz of fresh orange juice.
• Include a splash of sparkling water for a fizzier experience.
• This version would have a fresher, juicier taste, perfect for summer afternoons on the quad.

The Midterm Meltdown

• Swap the rye whiskey for bourbon, which brings a sweeter, fuller body to the drink.
• Stir in a teaspoon of honey before adding ice.
• A sweeter, more comforting take on the 'Semester Abroad'—ideal for when the study grind gets tough.

The Graduate

• Use aged rye whiskey for a deeper wood-infused flavor profile.
• Add a bar spoon of maple syrup and a dash of Angostura bitters.
• A more sophisticated, rounded twist, showing how far you've come since freshman year.