If you’re an Aggies fan, these are the gridiron cocktails for you.
When sister cities of Bryan, Texas, and College Station, Texas, come to mind, among the first things to Texans think of are Texas A&M University and football. What might not be so immediate is a boutique hotel like The Stella Hotel, with its 176 guest rooms, POV coffee house, and farm-to-fork Campfire restaurant.
But there is also Hershel’s, a speakeasy-style bar named in honor of Hershel Burgess, a Texas A&M football star and class of 1929 graduate who once owned the land where the bar and hotel now stand.
Boasting an impressive bourbon collection, an exclusive cigar program, elegant craft cocktails, and craft beers and wine, Hershel’s is featuring two special cocktails for football season. First, there is The Letterman, named after the Letterman’s Association Annual Banquet at Texas A&M, which is named after Burgess. And then there is The Old Goat, which also pays an homage to Hershel (who was known to take a bite of an apple with a sip of whiskey).
The recipes for both cocktails are below, courtesy The Stella Hotel.
The Letterman
2 ounces Angel’s Envy Bourbon (or preferred bourbon)
½ ounce Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
½ ounce Noilly Pratt Sweet Vermouth (or preferred sweet vermouth)
½ ounce Amaro
Dash angostura bitters
Lemon peel, for garnish
In chilled cocktail shaker or glass, combine all ingredients. Add ice and stir until well chilled. Pour into glass. Garnish with lemon peel and serve.
The Old Goat
2 ounces Overholt Rye (or preferred rye whiskey)
1 ounce apple shrub drinking vinegar*
4 – 5 dashes angostura bitters
Apple slices, for garnish
In chilled cocktail shaker or glass, combine all ingredients. Add ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with apple slices and serve,
* Available online, at retailers, or, if you’re so inclined, via your own hands using this recipe.
For more information on The Stella Hotel and to make reservations, visit the hotel’s website. Photography: Courtesy The Stella Hotel.
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