A Drink For Goin’ Anywhere — The Midnight Train

The word “Midnight” or the phrase “Midnight Train” appears in a lot of great songs — “Midnight Rider” by the Allman Brothers, “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight and the Pips, “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey (now the subject title should make sense), etc.  The Midnight Train cocktail has no relation to any of these tunes, but like them it is something to savor.  Many thanks to Alana Zanello at Jacoby’s Restaurant and Mercantile in Austin for creating it.

The Midnight Train

1.5 ounces whiskey
.75 ounces Averna
Juice from 1/2 lemon
.75 ounces super simple syrup

Combine in a shaker with ice, shake as if you’re heading down the tracks goin’ anywhere, and strain into a chilled glass.  Lemon peel garnish optional.

The Midnight Train essentially is a Whiskey Sour plus Averna.  Averna, a Sicilian amaro, is great on its own, and you can use it in other drinks such as the Peligroso or the A Thief In The Night.  Zanello uses George Dickel, a fine Tennessee whiskey, as the base for the Midnight Train.  I’ve used bourbon and rye for the base whiskey. You’re not going to go wrong with any of them.  The Midnight Train will get you to Georgia or anywhere, and they’re not going to catch you because you will become the Midnight Rider.