Nick and I have lived in the same small apartment for 9 years now. Crazy! And while there are a lot things I would change and am ready to change, one thing I will never regret is our proximity to the beach and our perfectly situated location between Santa Monica and Venice. 

We have spent 9 years walking the streets, eating at all the local haunts, and getting to know people who work there. And downright one of our favorite pastimes is biking over to Abbott Kinney and having a Braveheart for breakfast at Tasting Kitchen. Now, TK has been under construction and may very well go way of many of our favorite spots post-covid and not be able to make rent. But we are hoping it doesn’t! The bar in the back of the restaurant is a small rustic area with a chalkboard wall full of incredible sketching from local artists. And the hidden gem – the drink that is not on the menu but every bartender still knows how to make due to it’s popularity is – The Braveheart. 

It’s basically a Pencillin but with a perfected combo and extra shake that makes the drink not only strong but shockingly easy to drink quickly. It is, in my opinion, the perfect cocktail. Coming from someone who usually orders straight liquor to avoid headaches, this one is worth every sip. 

I’ll be honest and say I havent perfected the shake. And I still struggle to get to cocktail shaker off when it’s cold… yikes! But the flavor is there and I am sure all of you can do it. So enjoy! 

And if Tasting Kitchen never comes back, it’s all the more reason to keep practicing at home!

INGREDIENTS

2 oz blended scotch

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 oz ginger juice

1 tsp honey syrup (see below)

2 dashes angostura bitters

Serving Size: 1

INSTRUCTIONS

• First by making a simply honey syrup: 1 part hot water, 3 parts honey. I simply stir in a mug and let cool.
• Once the syrup is cool, add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with one large ice cube. 
• Shake A LOT. More than you want to. For about a minute. 
• Strain into a glass with another large ice cube.
• Enjoy!