The Midwest Twister

I was 8 years old when I watched the movie Twister and became obsessed with the idea of storm chasing. I loved thunderstorms and that eerie feeling right before a tornado would hit. I remember once I was home alone and the sirens went off. I then set about the task of hauling the rabbit cage, the dog in his kennel, and our cat downstairs and setting up a stool in the shower to wait it out, but kept running upstairs to peek out the window and see what was happening. If you grew up in the Midwest, having a candle supply and toting your battery operated radio down to the basement during tornado season is just something you get used to.

We’ve only had a few tornado scares so far this year, but it sparked the idea of concocting a traditional Dark and Stormy cocktail, but with a few alterations and of course spinning it into, The Midwest Twister! I used a homemade blackberry infused rum, fresh lime juice, local honey, and topped it off with ginger beer making for a sweet, crisp, and spicy mix. I also threw in a few elements to pay homage to the film, like Aunt Meg’s yard decor and of course the infamous cow flying across their path. A few of these will definitely calm the nerves of anyone afraid of storms and at the very least make your basement wait a bit more enjoyable!

Blackberry Infused Rum:

6-8 fresh blackberries

1 cup Sailor Jerry Rum

Combine blackberries and rum in a glass canning jar, seal, and store in a cool dry place for 5-7 days. When ready to use, remove blackberries and discard… or eat. They’re pretty tasty, but quite strong! Store rum in the refrigerator or at room temperature until ready to use.

Can’t wait for your rum to infuse? Muddle the berries in the bottom of the glass to release some of their juice and flavor. Continue the rest of the cocktail directions below. Strain the berries out or leave them in.

(makes 1 drink)

The Midwest Twister:

2oz blackberry infused rum

1 tsp honey

Juice from 1 lime

2 dashes of aromatic bitters

Ginger beer (I like Fever Tree the best)

Ice

Add rum, honey, lime juice, and bitters to a glass or cocktail shaker. Stir or shake until honey is completely dissolved. Pour into an ice filled glass, top with ginger beer, and serve.