Beer cocktails don’t get much attention these days. Probably because craft beer has morphed into an adjunct-laden playground where new releases are already tantamount to a cocktail, straight out of the bottle. The Rattle Skull really has no pre-made corollary and is certainly worth whipping up on a cool autumn or winter’s night. Consider employing it as a welcoming cocktail for your beer loving friends over the holiday season (it’s great way to kick off Thanksgiving) or as the perfect nightcap to enjoy by a cozy, comforting fire. This is old school, potent and packed with rich warming flavors. It always elicits raves from craft beer and cocktail fans alike.

Rattle Skull

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-1/2 oz rich aged rum like El Dorado 8 Year
• 12 oz Porter or Brown Ale - chilled (I like AleSmith Nut Brown or Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter)
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• freshly grated nutmeg
• lime wheel for garnish

SIMPLE STEPS:

In a large beer mug or Nonic pint glass combine rum, lime juice and simple syrup. Stir. Top with beer poured down the middle of the glass to create a big, fluffy head. Quickly grate nutmeg (in desired quantity, I like a hefty dose) over the head while it is in full bloom garnish with lime wheel. Serve immediately. Repeat if you dare. Skull rattling guaranteed.

Simple Syrup

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup natural brown sugar such as Muscovado or Demerara
• 1 cup water

SIMPLE STEPS:

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool. This will supply plenty of syrup for many a Rattle Skull. If you have extra put it in a jar and store it in the fridge for future use.