Night 8: Chestnut-Date Mai Tai

A classic rum drink with a festive, seasonal twist.

2 oz date-infused Merrymeeting Spiced Rum
.75 oz curaçao
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.5 oz chestnut orgeat
Mint to garnish

Combine all ingredients (except the mint) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain over crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Chestnut orgeat: It’s easiest to use pre-cooked chestnuts that are usually available in supermarkets around the holidays. Bring 1.25 cups water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add 1.5 cups sugar. Stir until dissolved. Crush 2 cups chestnuts until finely ground and stir into syrup. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Take off heat and let sit for at least 3 hours; let sit overnight for best results. Strain through cheese cloth or nut-mylk bag. Will last for 3 weeks in the fridge.

Date-infused Merrymeeting: Use 4-5 dates for 2 cups of Merrymeeting, allow to infused for 2-4 hrs. For a deeper infusion, cut the dates into smaller pieces.