Spiced Chocolate Rye Cocktail

Mmmmmmm!  The Spiced Chocolate Rye Cocktail is very rich and complex and sooooo good!  The cinnamon and allspice definitely evoke memories of the holidays and cozying up to the fireplace.  Perfect for the cooler weather that is just around the corner.

For the infused rye:

2/3 cacao nibs

1 teaspoon black pepper corns

10 allspice berries

1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds

3 cinnamon sticks

1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

3 cups Knob Creek Rye whiskey

Mix all the above ingredients into a large glass container and let it sit on your counter for 2 days. Occasionally shake the container to encourage the infusion.  After two days strain the rye and pour it into a sealable glass container.

For each cocktail:

1 3/4 ounce infused rye

3/4 ounce Oloroso Sherry

1/4 ounce orange juice

1/4 ounce lime juice

1 teaspoon of Luxardo maraschino cherry syrup

Mix together the above and pour it into an ice filled shaker.   Shake for 8 to 10 seconds and pour into a martini glass.

Garnish with a Luxardo Cherry and enjoy!