The star of this outstanding cocktail is Cardinal Spirits’ Black Bear Bierschnaps, a strong, warming elixir made in collaboration with Upland Brewing Co. using its award-winning Teddy Bear Kisses seasonal stout. Here, Bierschnaps is combined with creme de cassis and fresh citrus juices for a tart, fruity and complex cocktails that tastes almost like raspberry lambic.

BLOOD, SWEAT & BIERS
By Chris Resnick of Cardinal Spirits in Bloomington

2 ounces Cardinal Spirits Black Bear Bierschnaps
½ ounce crème de cassis
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce fresh grapefruit juice
½ ounce orgeat
Lemon peel

Add all ingredients except the lemon peel to a shaker, then add ice. Shake well, then double strain into a coupe glass. Express a piece of lemon peel by squeezing it over the cocktail to release the oils in the peel.