El Dorado by Dominique Jackson | Westland Cocktail Collective

The Westland Distillery's Cocktail Collective continues its exploration of whiskey's potential, this time partnering with the innovative Dominique Jackson. Award-winning bartender Dominique Jackson, hailing from San Diego’s revered 52 Remedies, mixed a delicious Westland cocktail recipe for you to try at home. Jackson's El Dorado, a riff on the classic Gold Rush, is a testament to her creative spirit and mastery of flavor, showcasing the nuanced interplay of Westland single malt and peated whiskeys.

Dominique Jackson's El Dorado is a carefully balanced blend of sweet, smoky, and tart, this drink awakens the palate with its complex layers. The combination of Westland Single Malt and Peated whiskeys provides a rich foundation, while the salted lemon juice adds a refreshing tang. The spiced black tea honey syrup introduces an intriguing warmth, and the Angostura bitters provide a final touch of complexity.


The Recipe: El Dorado

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Westland American Single Malt Whiskey (specify which)
• 0.5 oz Westland Peated American Single Malt Whiskey
• 0.75 oz Salted Lemon Juice (recipe below)
• 0.75 oz Spiced Black Tea Honey Syrup (recipe below)
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• Lemon Peel (for garnish)

Instructions:
Pour all ingredients into a shaking tin with ice.
1. Shake vigorously until well-chilled and diluted.
2. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
3. Express (twist) a lemon peel over the drink and discard. Garnish with the manicured lemon peel.

Salted Lemon Juice:
• 6 Fresh Lemons
• Maldon Salt (or other flaky sea salt)
Juice fresh lemons. Add a pinch of Maldon salt to the juice, adjusting to taste. Strain pulp and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Spiced Black Tea Honey Syrup:
• 1 cups Water
• 5 Black Tea Bags
• 1 cup Honey
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 4 Whole Cloves

Combine equal parts water and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until honey is fully dissolved. Add black tea bags, cinnamon sticks, and cloves (adjust spices to your preference). Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse. Remove from heat, discard tea bags and spices, and let cool completely.

Jackson shared that The Star of the cocktail, Westland Flagship, adds layers and mixes well with the lemon and honey. Additionally, she says the toasted nougat and marshmallow notes lend another layer of flavor to cocktails. The El Dorado is all about balance, a cocktail that highlights the diverse range of flavors Westland Whiskey has to offer. For making cocktails at home, you don’t need to re-invent the wheel—this take on the classic Gold Rush offers plenty to keep coming back to.

Experience the golden touch of Dominique Jackson's El Dorado. Share your own creations on social media with #WestlandCocktailCollective and #DominiqueJackson. Discover more Westland Cocktail Collective recipes. Explore the world of Westland Whiskey.