Mattock Smash: A Bold Cocktail Inspired by Faxanadu
Faxanadu is a cult classic action RPG from the NES era that still holds a nostalgic charm for retro gamers. One of its most memorable items is the Mattock—a trusty tool used to smash through stone walls, opening new paths and revealing hidden secrets. Drawing inspiration from this iconic in-game moment, I’ve crafted the Mattock Smash, a bold and earthy cocktail designed to shatter flavor barriers.
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Let’s dive into what makes this drink a worthy tribute to Faxanadu and a standout addition to your cocktail repertoire.
A Cocktail Inspired by a Legendary Tool
In Faxanadu, the Mattock represents progress, resilience, and discovery. I wanted a drink that captures these same qualities—a cocktail that’s bold, earthy, and satisfying with every sip. Enter the Mattock Smash, featuring the rich warmth of Maker's Mark Bourbon, the complexity of smoked honey, and a citrus kick to balance it all out.
This isn’t just a drink; it’s a flavor journey with depth, grit, and sophistication.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Bulleit Bourbon: Its spice-forward profile and smooth finish provide a robust foundation.
- Smoked Honey Syrup: Adds a smoky, sweet complexity reminiscent of breaking through earthy barriers.
- Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and balance to the drink.
- Black Walnut Bitters: A subtle nod to the rugged landscapes of Faxanadu.
- Smoked Grapefruit Peel Garnish: Evokes a sense of discovery and adventure while enhancing the drink’s aroma.
Preparation & Glassware
To make the Mattock Smash, you’ll shake the ingredients to ensure everything blends beautifully before straining it over a single large ice cube in a lowball glass . The big ice cube not only looks visually striking—like a boulder ready to be shattered—but also keeps the drink cool without diluting it too quickly.
The final touch is a smoked grapefruit peel garnish. You can smoke the peel using the Viski Alchemi Single Serve Smoked Cocktail Kit, which adds an unforgettable aroma reminiscent of the rugged terrain in Faxanadu.
When to Enjoy the Mattock Smash
This is a drink for evenings when you’re ready to unwind after tackling life’s challenges—whether that’s smashing through your workload or just finishing a nostalgic playthrough of Faxanadu. The smoky, citrusy aroma and bold bourbon base make it a perfect fireside companion.
For retro gaming nights or just when you need a drink that hits as hard as a Mattock, this cocktail delivers.
Mattock Smash
A bold and earthy cocktail inspired by Faxanadu’s iconic Mattock tool.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Maker's Mark Bourbon
- 1 oz smoked honey syrup
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 dashes black walnut bitters
- Large clear ice cube
- Garnish: Smoked grapefruit peel twist
Instructions
- Add bourbon, smoked honey syrup, lemon juice, and black walnut bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until well-chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a lowball glass over a large clear ice cube.
- Garnish with a smoked grapefruit peel twist.