The Whiskey Cocktail That Tastes Like A Bacon Egg & Cheese Bagel

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Dive into the delightful world of Madame George, a chic cocktail lounge in Midtown NYC, where the boundaries of traditional mixology are being pushed in the most delicious ways. At the heart of their groundbreaking menu is the NY Bodega Sour, a whiskey cocktail that evokes the flavorful experience of a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel. This culinary masterpiece combines bacon fat-washed 77 rye, lemon juice, maple syrup, orange bitters, and egg white, garnished with black and white sesame seeds to mimic a classic bagel. The sensory journey culminates as the cocktail is presented under a dome filled with everything bagel-flavored vapor, making you feel like you’re savoring your favorite breakfast at a local bodega. With each sip, you’re whisked away to the busy streets of New York, where tradition meets innovation in the most delectable way. Have you ever thought about the possibility of a cocktail that tastes like your favorite breakfast? The idea might seem bizarre at first glance, but you’re not alone in your curiosity. Imagine you could sip on something that embodies the flavors of a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel. Intriguing, right? Well, Madame George, a Midtown cocktail lounge in New York City, has made this a reality with their sensational NY Bodega Sour.

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The Concept Behind the NY Bodega Sour

Madame George is not your typical cocktail bar. Nestled in the heart of New York City, this glamorous subterranean lounge offers a diverse menu of cocktails that pay homage to the city’s rich history. Drinks named after city landmarks such as the Gravesend Highball, Northbound Track, Forgotten Borough Sour, and Manhattan Ave make up the innovative menu. But it’s the NY Bodega Sour that’s capturing the attention of TikTokers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

The NY Bodega Sour is a unique cocktail that’s creating a buzz for its unexpected but harmonious blend of flavors. It remarkably tastes like a classic bacon, egg, and cheese bagel from your local bodega – how they achieved this feat is nothing short of culinary wizardry.

How It’s Made: Ingredient Breakdown

You might be wondering how one could concoct a drink that encapsulates the essence of a breakfast sandwich. The secret lies in a clever combination of ingredients. Here’s what goes into making the NY Bodega Sour:

Bacon Fat-Washed 77 Rye: The base spirit is the Breuckelen 77 Rye, which is infused with bacon fat. This technique, known as fat-washing, imparts a subtle smokiness and savory undertones to the whiskey.
Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the bacon and whiskey.
Maple Syrup: Introduces sweetness that complements the smoky and savory notes.
Orange Bitters: Adds complexity with a hint of citrusy bitterness.
Egg White: Provides a creamy texture and a frothy top.
Black and White Sesame Seeds: Garnish that mimics the appearance and flavor profile of an everything bagel.
Everything Bagel-Flavored Vapor: The masterstroke that elevates the sensory experience, making you feel like you’re having breakfast.

The Aromatic Experience: Everything Bagel-Flavored Vapor

One of the highlights of the NY Bodega Sour is its presentation under a dome filled with everything bagel vapor. This aromatic cloud envelops the cocktail, tricking your brain into thinking it’s breakfast time. The brainchild of Marshall Minaya, the Beverage Director at Madame George, this technique maximizes the sensory experience and enhances the overall flavor perception.

The Everything Cocktail Revolution

The NY Bodega Sour isn’t the only unusual cocktail making waves. The cocktail scene has been experimenting with the concept of “everything bagel” flavors. From Vanderpump à Paris in Las Vegas, which serves a dirty martini rimmed with everything bagel seasoning, to New York City’s own Fat Tiger offering a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned called the Stop Plain made with everything bagel syrup, it’s clear that this flavor profile is becoming a darling among mixologists.

Why Everything Bagel Flavors?

You might be curious as to why everything bagel flavors have transcended their humble origins to become a cocktail sensation. The answer lies in their versatility. Everything bagel seasoning combines poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes, and sea salt – a symphony of bold flavors that work surprisingly well in various culinary applications, including cocktails.

Nostalgia in a Cup

Part of the NY Bodega Sour’s charm is its nostalgic presentation. The cocktail is served in an iconic blue and white NYC coffee cup, known as the Anthora. This design is a nod to the numerous Greek-owned breakfast carts that have been a staple in NYC since the 1960s. It’s a clever touch that adds an element of familiarity and nostalgia, making the drinking experience all the more special.

Interestingly, Madame George isn’t the only spot capitalizing on this iconic coffee cup’s nostalgic appeal. Williamsburg’s Rocka Rolla has been serving a frozen coffee drink called the “Coffee Thing” in the same kind of cup for years. It goes to show that New Yorkers appreciate a nostalgic nod, especially when it’s cleverly repurposed in fresh, innovative ways.

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How to Make Your Own NY Bodega Sour

Are you inspired to try making this breakfast-inspired cocktail at home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own NY Bodega Sour.

Ingredients:

2 oz bacon fat-washed 77 rye
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz maple syrup
2 dashes orange bitters
1 egg white
Black and white sesame seeds
Everything bagel-flavored vapor (optional)

Instructions:

Bacon Fat-Wash the Rye: Add 2 oz of warm, melted bacon fat to a bottle of 77 rye. Allow it to infuse at room temperature for 4-6 hours. Place the bottle in the freezer until the fat solidifies, then strain out the fat solids.
Shake It Up: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bacon fat-washed rye, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, orange bitters, and egg white. Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white.
Chill It: Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.
Strain and Serve: Double strain the mixture into a blue and white NYC coffee cup.
Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds.
Everything Vapor: If you have access to everything bagel-flavored vapor, serve the cocktail under a dome filled with the vapor for that extra aromatic experience.

How to Bacon Fat-Wash Whiskey

You might be unfamiliar with the technique of fat-washing, but it’s simpler than it sounds. Here’s a quick guide on how to fat-wash whiskey:

Choose Your Fat: In this case, you’ll use bacon fat. Cook a few strips of bacon and save the rendered fat.
Combine: Pour the bacon fat into the bottle of whiskey while it’s still warm (not hot).
Infuse: Let the mixture sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Freeze: Place the bottle in the freezer to solidify the fat.
Strain: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the solidified fat, giving you a clear, flavorful fat-washed whiskey ready to use.

Exploring the Flavor Profile

The NY Bodega Sour isn’t just a novelty; it’s a well-balanced cocktail that offers a unique taste experience. Here’s what you can expect with each sip:

Initial Taste: The first thing you’ll notice is the smoky, savory notes from the bacon fat-washed rye, followed closely by the tangy lemon juice.
Mid-Palette: The sweetness of the maple syrup perfectly balances the initial intensity, leading to a harmonious blend of flavors.
Finish: The egg white provides a smooth, velvety texture, while the orange bitters add a subtle complexity. The sprinkle of sesame seeds offers a nutty finish, reminiscent of a toasted bagel.

Why It Works: The Science of Flavor Pairing

The unexpected success of the NY Bodega Sour lies in the principles of flavor pairing. Here’s a breakdown of why these ingredients work so well together:

Fat and Alcohol: The fat molecules from the bacon tend to bind with alcohol molecules, enhancing the flavor of the whiskey.
Sweet and Savory: The contrasting flavors of sweet maple syrup and savory bacon create a complex, pleasing taste.
Acidity and Richness: Lemon juice cuts through the richness, providing a balanced, refreshing finish.
Aromatics: The everything bagel vapor engages your sense of smell, complementing the taste and heightening the overall experience.

The Broader Trend: Savory Cocktails

The NY Bodega Sour is part of a broader trend of savory cocktails making their mark in the culinary and mixology world. Traditionally, cocktails have leaned towards sweet, sour, and fruity flavors, but the inclusion of savory elements is offering a new avenue for flavor exploration.

Popular Savory Cocktails

Here are a few more savory cocktails that you might find intriguing:

Cocktail Name	Key Ingredients	Flavor Profile
Bacon-Infused Old Fashioned	Bacon-infused bourbon, bitters, sugar cube	Smoky, savory, sweet
Dirty Martini	Vodka or gin, olive brine, vermouth	Briny, salty, classic
Bloody Mary	Vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, spices	Spicy, savory, umami
Michelada	Beer, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice	Spicy, tangy, savory
Chicken Soup Hot Toddy	Whiskey, chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, spices	Comforting, rich, warm

Why Savory Cocktails?

The appeal of savory cocktails lies in their ability to provide a more complex and satisfying flavor experience. They engage your taste buds in unexpected ways and often pair well with food, making them ideal for culinary cocktails that complement the dining experience.

Where to Try the NY Bodega Sour

If you’re in New York City and eager to try the NY Bodega Sour for yourself, head over to Madame George. This Midtown lounge is the birthplace of this innovative cocktail, and it’s the perfect spot to experience it in all its glory – complete with the aromatic everything bagel vapor.

Madame George isn’t just about cocktails that look good on Instagram (though it certainly excels in that department). The ambiance, the knowledgeable bartenders, and the carefully curated menu make it a must-visit for cocktail aficionados.

Final Thoughts

Would you have ever imagined that you could drink a cocktail that tastes like a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel? It’s a fascinating concept that bridges the gap between culinary creativity and mixology. The NY Bodega Sour is more than just a gimmick; it’s a testament to the power of innovative flavor pairing and presentation.

If you’re adventurous and love unique taste experiences, the NY Bodega Sour is a must-try. Whether you’re in New York or looking to replicate it at home, this cocktail is sure to spark conversation and leave a lasting impression.

So, why not dive into the world of savory cocktails and see how far your taste buds can take you? Cheers to new flavor adventures! 🥂

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