Hugh Acheson's Cocktail of the Week

photocredit: Sarah Dorio

Well, today is the day I've been promising...the new weekly feature Cocktail of the Week! After much ado, I'm so glad to finally announce the first guest contributor, Hugh Acheson. Talented chef, cookbook auteur, proponent for local farmers, and the best looking uni below the Canadian/American border...thanks, Hugh for divulging your delicious recipe and picking the winner of my fabulous giveaway!

The Highland Crawler will be sure to keep you warm during those rare winter nights.

2 ounces Ransom Old Tom Gin
1 ounce Amaro Montenegro
1 ounce Cocchi Americano Appertivo
1 ounce Benedictine
1 ounce Regan's Orange Bitters

Combine in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass, and enjoy.

Many of you may know Hugh from his stint as a contestant on Bravo's Top Chef: Masters Season 3 or as a judge on Top Chef: Season 9.  However, long before his adorable mug was made famous on national TV, he was known as the super righteous executive chef/partner of Five & Ten and The National in Athens, GA and Empire State South in Atlanta. This adopted Southern son is renown for his fresh perspective on locally sourced fare, down home approach, and snappy socks. Be sure to check out his cookbook A New Turn in the South which includes his handwritten notes beside each recipe.