The Witty Comeback

• 2 ounces rye whiskey (preferably Old Overholt)
• ½ ounce Averna amaro
• ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
• ½ ounce ginger simple syrup
• Orange twist (for serving)

Combine rye, Averna, lemon juice, and ginger simple syrup in a cocktail shaker; fill shaker with ice. Shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass or a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with orange twist.

Ginger Simple Syrup

• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup chopped peeled ginger

Bring sugar, ginger, and ¾ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let sit 20 minutes. Strain into a jar, cover, and chill.

Yield: 1 drink.

VERDICT:  These were meant for dinner for Jen and Beth, which got blizzarded out--they turned out to be the perfect drink for a snowy day.  John and I drank them until the Old Overholt ran out (not as long as you'd think).  Keep!