I recently finished reading The Monster in the Hollows, book three in Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga. The series is beautiful, whimsical, inspiring, and deeply moving. One of the most interesting features of the world Peterson has created is the sacramental nature of music. Peterson, himself a masterful songwriter and recording artist, has created a world where music is endowed by the Maker with real, albeit mysterious power. This cocktail was inspired by the novels.

1.5 oz 100-proof bourbon (if you want to lean into the name, use Maker’s 46)
0.25 oz Aged Jamaican Rum (I used Appleton Estate 12-year)
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz Demerara gum syrup
0.25 oz Allspice Dram
1 egg white
1 dash Angostura bitters
2 drops saline solution

Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Dry shake to emulsify the ingredients. Add ice and shake again for 15-20 seconds. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a swath of lemon, expressing the oils over the drink.