Cameron Bogue has taken the concept of mixology and spun it on its… wait, scratch that… Bogue has taken the concept of mixology, put it in a cocktail mixer, shaken that baby up somethin’ fierce and created his own signature drink of a job. Bogue, a native of Portland, Oregon, began working with Earls as a consultant back in 2008. Fast forward to 2013, and he’s the guy responsible for putting Earls’ original takes on classic cocktails on the menu, as well as the inventor of some of Earls’ signature drink recipes for all 65 of the mega-brand’s restaurants across North America. In honour of the Earls on King’s patio opening tonight right here in Toronto, View The Vibe caught up with Bogue to find out what’s currently in his glass, the perks of being Earls’ Beverage Director, and how to make one of his signature cocktails.
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I’m 6’1”, Scorpio, mother’s maiden name is Thompson and my Social Insurance Number is… [Cam, thanks for sharing, but we’re not sure you really want us to publish that, right?]
Finish this sentence: I love Earls because…
…we use fresh ingredients! Running the Beverage Program is an opportunity to influence a very large audience with fresh, classically prepared cocktails. No sour mixes or artificial flavouring here – just fresh fruit, hand-squeezed juices and house-made syrups.
What are three things you simply cannot live without?
Food, water, oxygen.
How do you create new cocktails for the Earls cocktail list?
Simple: incorporate fresh, trendy ingredients into classic templates.
Do you have a favourite ingredient to use when creating cocktails?
American whiskey. I love it all, and spend way too much money collecting it.
When you’re not concocting cocktails, what are you up to?
When I’m not what?
What’s your favourite drink/cocktail and where do you go to get it?
At the moment Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA. The hops battle the cloying white beer for a sessionable summer ale.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
Probably Vij’s. Not fair to choose one, cause I have eaten at a lot of restaurants, but I continually go back there for in-your-face deliciousness.
Who’s your favourite designer/brand and why do you sport their fashions?
I’ve bought the same pair of jeans and white t-shirts for about 15 years. A fresh pair of AF1’s and clean hat is about all I rock – that’s my Portland coming through.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your globe-trotting?
Twitter and Instagram.
What’s a good Earls cocktail recipe that we can recreate at home?
Earls Old Fashioned
Technique: Stir
Glassware: Small rocks glass
Garnish: Orange zest and cherry
Ingredients
2 fl.oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon, 0.25 fl.oz. Demerera Syrup, 4 dashes Bittered Sling Root Beer Bitters, 1 Giant ice cube
Recipe
1. In a mixing glass, measure 2 fl.oz. Maker’s Mark, 0.25 fl.oz. Demerera syrup, and 4 dashes root beer bitters.
2. Pack mixing glass full of ice.
3. Insert bar spoon and stir in circles for 20 seconds.
4. Top with a julep strainer without removing spoon and strain over one big-ass ice cube into a small rocks glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry and an orange zest.
Earls size: Always a double.
Fun fact: The name old fashioned refers to the original cocktail that was nothing but whiskey, water, bitters and sugar.
