Houstonist was introduced to a unique cocktail a few years ago on a Roman pub crawl (yeah, in Italia) put on by a group of ex-pat Americans. After a few stops we'd grown tired of Moretti, Campari and rum-and-cokes that tasted like unleaded-and-cokes. Then, a scene similar to the following unfolded
INTERIOR - ROCK CASTLE
A dimly lit barroom interior featuring ancient masonry work with various weapons of the bashing and bladed variety hanging from the walls. A crowd of mostly young patrons dances to blaring American music. The camera pans the crowd and settles on two young Americans chatting at the bar. We begin to hear their exchange as the camera closes on them.
HOUSTONIST
...yeah, but I'm tired of the same old thing. Got any suggestions?
TOUR GUIDE
You should try a Norman Johnson.
HOUSTONIST
A wha?
TOUR GUIDE
A Norman Johnson. A No Jo. My dad invented it. It's equal parts Grand Marnier and tequila.
HOUSTONIST
That sounds disgusting.
TOUR GUIDE
He's an alcoholic so you know it's good.
HOUSTONIST
Sold.
You sold? Recipe and whatnot follow the jump.
Norman Johnson
+ 2 oz. gold tequila
+ 2 oz. Grand Marnier
+ Lime wedge for garnish
Put four or five cubes of ice in a whiskey glass. Pour in equal parts of gold tequila and Grand Marnier. Stir gently. Garnish with lime wedge.
We know what you're thinking. But, no, it is not a rita. It's a NoJo. The key differences are the lack of juice and four times the GM.
Here's to you wherever you are, Norman Johnson. Thanks for making our trip to the Rock Castle a blast and making our flight home miserable.
Have a drink we should spread to the masses? Send it along [jason at houstonist dot com], and we just may post it after some extensive testing.
Don't be a dumbass. Drink responsibly or take a cab.
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Photo: flickr users Leo Reynolds, Claudecf & Thom Watson.
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