Brick & Mortar’s Dollywood may be named for the Queen of Country’s Tennessee amusement park, but its closest relation hails from outside the Smoky Mountains. It’s a riff on the Eastern Sour, a cocktail made with citrus juices, bourbon, and orgeat first mixed by California tiki legend Trader Vic.

The tweaks made at Brick & Mortar sound minimal on paper, but they make a world of difference. Swapping out lime juice for lemon and adding a sprig of mint brings the cocktail closer to the classic Whiskey Smash.

Lead bartender Brandon Phillips calls it “a strange and perfect drink, crossing over the always-flamboyant world of tiki cocktails and bourbon whiskey.”

The almond-based orgeat, standing in for the simple syrup you’d find in a Whiskey Smash, gives the drink an extra layer of complexity with its rich, nutty flavor. The citrus juice keeps things bright and refreshing; the perfect cool-down on a hot summer day, it also adds a bit of light to winter nights.

Dollywood is made with a “whip shake,” meaning that a single ice cube is added to the tin when shaking. That’s because the drink is served over crushed ice, which dilutes quickly in the glass.

The mint sprig gives the drink its signature look, but its aromatic effect is just as important. To ensure the cocktail has a minty whiff, give the sprig a light smack against the back of your hand before adorning the glass.

Dollywood
2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
1 ounce lemon juice
½ ounce orange juice
½ ounce orgeat
1 dash orange bitters
Mint sprig, for garnish

Add all ingredients to a shaker with a single ice cube and shake until ice is partially diluted. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with mint sprig.