MoonChata

I made a delicious drink using RumChata, rum, orange liqueur and a salted banana syrup.  Bitters are added for a delicious twist of herbaceousness.

RumChata is based on the (non-alcoholic) beverage Horchata which is popular in many Latin American cultures.  While there are many variations on Horchata, the fundamental ingredients are: rice soaked in water, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.

I was inspired to use tropical ingredients like banana and aged Puerto Rican Rum for this cocktail.  A little orange liqueur adds a bright note, and bitters add an herbal complexity.
Looking at the drink in the cocktail glass the shape and color reminded me of the full moon, so I called it MoonChata.

This drink would be just as comfortable around the holidays as during the warm summer months!  Mix one up for yourself!

MoonChata

• 2 oz RumChata
• 2 oz Aged Puerto Rican Rum (I used Havana Club Añejo Clásico)
• ¼ oz Grand Marnier
• ¾ oz Banana Syrup *
• 1 dash Aromatic Bitters**
• 1 dash Orange Bitters**
• Lime twist as garnish

Method:
Shake all ingredients with ice.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish with a lime twist.
 
 *Banana Syrup

• 1 cup Water
  
• 1 cup Sugar (I used Pure Cane Sugar granules)
  
• ½ tsp Sea Salt
  
• ½ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 Banana, Sliced

Bring all ingredients except Banana to a simmer.  Add Banana and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.  Use a fine strainer to remove solids.

**Bitters
I used Bitter Truth brand bitters, which worked very well in this drink, but the very widely available Angostura brand would be fine as well.