Campfire Merit Badge
While on a recent trip to Carlsbad, I stopped into Campfire to try their take on an elevated outdoorsy-inspired meal. The orange wines on the menu complimented the ember-roasted spot prawns, though the true standouts on the drink menu were the artfully crafted cocktails.
The cocktail menu at Campfire features many nods to the outdoorsy lifestyle, such as the sip we are sharing with you today entitled the Merit Badge. With an orgeat made of trail mix and fresh huckleberries, and a splash of sherry, lemon juice, and a heavy pour of bourbon, this sipper is an ode to our favorite hiking snacks.
If you're not familiar with orgeat, it's most commonly found in drinks like Mai Tais and is a syrup made from almonds and sugar. This version tastes best with a mixed nut-based trail mix and makes for a sweet addition to sparkling water if you're looking to enjoy it sans-liquor. So sit back, shake up, and enjoy the Merit Badge you so rightfully earned.
How to Make It
Combine the trail mix and water and let soak for at least three hours. Once soaked, strain out the trail mix and add water to measure a total of four cups (reserve trail mix).
Put trail-mix-infused water, sugar, and huckleberries in a saucepan and cook until sugar is dissolved. Place into blender or food processor and add reserved trail mix, blend until emulsified. Strain into a container and store in the fridge.
Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
Add all of the cocktail ingredients to a shaker and shake until combined. Strain over ice into the glass.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine the trail mix and water and let soak for at least three hours. Once soaked, strain out the trail mix and add water to measure a total of four cups (reserve trail mix).
Put trail-mix-infused water, sugar, and huckleberries in a saucepan and cook until sugar is dissolved. Place into blender or food processor and add reserved trail mix, blend until emulsified. Strain into a container and store in the fridge.
Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
Add all of the cocktail ingredients to a shaker and shake until combined. Strain over ice into the glass.