Bar Nuts

Two years ago, Oberlin air traffic controller Rich Hellner oversaw a different kind of takeoff: that of an idea for peanut butter vodka called Nutliquor. Besides allowing for fun word play on drink menus, the 69 proof vodka produced by Hellner's Pandora Spirits lets creative bartenders experiment. Strip Steakhouse's, for example, make options such as Peanut Butter Apples and Sweet & Salty Nuts. Strip owner and chef Ron Larson describes the taste, in a nutshell, as a liquid peanut butter sandwich. Although he's discovered that some strong flavors can overpower Nutliquor, Larson says there's no mistaking it in The Nuts, a cocktail that also includes amaretto and hazelnut liqueur. "This drink allows the infusion of all those liquors to come together, and still the pronounced item is that peanut butter vodka."

The Nuts

2 ounces Nutliquor
3/4 ounce Amaretto
3/4 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

Shaken and garnished with candied walnuts.