Drink recipes: Three wise men

The Three Wise Men is a drink that is slowly making it’s way up the cocktail ladder, though I personally think it’s better as a shot than an actual cocktail. It’s more of an ‘order-at-the-bar’ drink than a ‘make-at-home’ drink; small bottles of each can run you about $40 and up, plus it’s not the most sophisticated of drinks, suitable for frat parties and the like. If you’re not used to whiskey or if you like to appreciate your alcohol, this probably isn’t the drink for you, and should be avoided. In my opinion, this is one of those party shots that people do to get drunk, much like tequila or other mixed shots.

There isn’t much to say about the recipe, it’s a pretty straight forward, no substitutions accepted recipe, but there are a few tricks to making it that can either make it a tasty treat or a suffering experience.

First, the actual recipe:

In equal parts, mix Jim Beam bourbon whiskey, Jack Daniels bourbon whiskey, and Johnny Walker Black Label blended scotch whiskey (Red will do if it’s all you have or prefer to save a few extra bucks) in a cocktail shaker; a splash of each should be enough for one person. If you own a jigger, it’s half the small side of each, for one person, or the whole small side for two. Add ice, shake, and strain into a shot glass for a shot or a chilled martini glass for a cocktail.

Which leads us to the first trick: Ice. Chilling it will take some of the bite out of the whiskey and scotch, and leave you with the sweet sensation. I’ve seen a couple people take the shot warm, trust me, not something you want to do. When at the bar, just remember to ask for it chilled, just in case the bartender isn’t familiar with it.

The second trick: Scotch is a little more bitter than whiskey, so if you lighten the Johnny Walker pour just a little, it may help sweeten the taste. Once again, when you’re at the bar, ask the bartender to go ‘a little light on the Johnny’ if you prefer the sweeter taste.

Like I said before, there’s not much to say about the recipe, it’s straightforward, easy to make, and simple to remember. All you have to do is think: Jim, Jack, and Johnny. Experimenting at home is always a good way to perfect your recipes for when you go out.

Always drink responsibly.