Damon Is Back -- And He's Packing Pepper

<img alt="redpepper.jpg" src="http://suttonfirstchurch.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/redpepper.jpg" width="300" height="301"

Last night Damon Dyer returned for one last evening at his old stomping ground -- Brooklyn Heights' Jack the Horse Tavern. After taking on bartending stints at legendary watering holes like Death & Co. and Flatiron Lounge, it was no surprise that he came prepared.

He offered a special "one night only" cocktail menu that featured his well-loved Man of Leisure, as well as classics like the Brandy Daisy and Algonquin. Among all of his tempting selections, however, there was only one that made me see red: The Scarlet Sour.

An original concoction, this awe-inspiring drink combines blanco tequila, red bell pepper juice, lime juice, simple syrup and celery bitters.

But this wasn't just a drink. It was a sweet n' sour, red-hued revelation.

And with that, I bid Damon adieu.

Where is he off to next? Sicily. He's been invited as a finalist to shake and stir his best at an Averna competition in Palermo. I can't imagine what ideas he'll bring back with him. A Sicilian sardine cocktail perhaps? All I know is that I'll happily sidle up to the bar to try one.