Profile
The Pipeline is a rum sour with a little extra depth. White rum, fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar form the base, and a quarter ounce of apricot brandy goes in as a modifier, adding a hint of stone fruit without taking over. It is shaken hard and served up in a chilled cocktail glass.
The proportions are classic sour territory, heavy on the spirit with just enough sugar to balance the lemon. The apricot brandy bridges the two, adding a touch of sweetness and a rounder fruit note. Lemon rather than lime gives it a softer, rounder sourness than a daiquiri. It is a tidy, well-balanced drink and a good reminder that it does not take much to make rum interesting.
Glass: Cocktail glass | Strength: Medium | Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 3 minutes
Bartenders tip: Powdered sugar dissolves faster than granulated in a cold shaker, but a quarter ounce of simple syrup is even easier and more consistent. Squeeze the lemon fresh. Go easy on the apricot brandy, since a quarter ounce is enough and more pushes the drink toward sweet. Double strain for a clean surface, because lemon pulp shows up badly in a drink this clear.
