Expert Level

Here's a simple, straightforward cocktail that really took off after an unexpected twist.

2 oz pear-infused gin
3/4 oz cinnamon syrup
1 oz lemon juice

Shake and strain into a double old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube; top with 2 oz Fulton Expat.

I originally tried topping this with good old soda water, but that fell somewhat flat; the Expat added welcome spice, bitterness, and body that really kicked this into the stratosphere. If you can't get the Expat, a decent Belgian dubbel and a dash of bitters ought to do.

Man, I dig a good beer cocktail; an unexpected success is even better.