Rodney Dangerfield Cocktail — The Shade Thrower
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If you took the late comedian and actor Rodney Dangerfield at his word, he never got any respect. No respect I tell ya. When you “throw shade” at someone, you casually, and often hilariously, disrespect and dismiss them (I learned the modern term originated in the drag culture in 1980s New York City). In comparison, the Shade Thrower cocktail is worthy of your respect. Freddy Schwenk in Nashville created the Shade Thrower, and my cocktailian friends David and Kirk introduced me to it.
The Shade Thrower
2 ounces bourbon
.5 ounces Averna
.5 ounces sweet vermouth
.25 ounces Aperol
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Combine in a mixing glass with ice, stir with an air of casual disdain, and strain into a chilled glass, preferably rocks. Orange twist garnish optional.
Think of the Shade Thrower as an amaro enhanced Manhattan (sort of like how my Flattening Curve is an amaro enhanced Old Fashioned, or the Dubliner is an orange enhanced Manhattan). If you like the Rhythm & Soul, you’ll like the Shade Thrower.
The drink pairs well with movies such as Caddyshack. When you have a Shade Thrower, you can respect the cocktail as you throw shade.