I don’t usually write about custom cocktails at bars. I avoid it for a couple of reasons. First, since I’m located in Portland, most of the cocktail creations I’d write up would be only found in Portland, and second, the goal of the cocktails pieces is to make home bartending a bit easier. A lot of original cocktail creations just simply don’t translate for a home bartender. This week though, I’m making an exception. While I don’t have a favorite bar per se, but if I did have one, it would be Free House Bar in Portland. It’s a small, unpretentious place with friendly staff, good food, and great cocktails. What more could you want?

On a recent trip to Free House, I ordered a drink called the White Walker. A blend of tequila, Falernum (a Caribbean liqueur flavored with allspice, clove, and lime), lime juice, Cynar (an artichoke liqueur), and mint, it was a delicious start to the beginning of autumn. Rather than ask the bartender for the recipe, I decided to head home and to recreate the recipe myself (and yes, I do happen to have a bottle of Cynar in my home bar.) While my proportions may not be exact to Free House’s recipe, the resulting cocktail turned out quite well. At Free House, this drink is served over one giant ice cube. At home, I used a few cubes, which not as cool, were far easier for me to produce. Try this one at home for a unique cocktail experience.

White Walker Cocktail

Makes one cocktail.

Inspired by the Free House Bar in Portland, Oregon.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Cazadores Tequila
• 1 ounce Falernum
• 1 ounce lime juice
• ¼ ounce Cynar
• 4 mint leaves

Directions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients.
2. Add ice, and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into a double rocks glass.
4. Add one or more ice cubes.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.
6. Serve.