Here’s a toast to Ned Kelley, a legendary puzzle homage to a legendary figure in Australian history, from one of the great Australian puzzlemakers. It deserves a drink from one of the greats as well, legendary barman Chris McMillian. Chris is a well-known New Orleans icon who co-founded the Museum of the American Cocktail, and has led many well regarded bar programs in his home city. Imbibe magazine, the industry trade journal, named him one of the 25 most influential cocktail personalities of the past century. He is famous for his historical knowledge and love of story-telling, and is often described as an antebellum bartender, full of tradition steeped in the past. He contributed one of his creations to a slim volume of exquisite cocktails, produced by two New Orleans bartender friends named Maks Pazuniak and Kirk Estopinal in 2009. The little book, “Beta Cocktails” (originally “Rogue Cocktails”) is something of an underground cult classic among industry folk, and it’s full of now famous recipes from some of the best known cocktail personalities. McMillian’s “End of the Road” cocktail is just the sort of drink you would expect from the past, a simple equal parts combination of distinctive spirits that merge into something truly unique. The cocktail balances smoky Laphroaig scotch with bitter Campari and wildly herbal Chartreuse. It’s an unlikely blend with an unlikely ratio but wouldn’t you know, it’s perfectly balanced and delicious. It’s a sophisticated sipper, a gentleman’s nightcap, and features three ingredients easily found in most bars. Perhaps even found in your corner of the world, at the end of the bar, at the end of the road. Cheers friends.

The End of the Road by Chris McMillian

1 oz Laphroaig 10 Yr

1 oz Campari

1 oz Green Chartreuse

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass.

For more about the Ned Kelley puzzle see:

Boxes and Booze: Such is Life