The One Where Every Cocktail Is Named After a Show: The Gamble

In our world, every cocktail bears the name of an episode from beloved shows like M*A*S*H or Llama Llama. It’s a playful tribute to our passionate staff’s diverse ages and life stages, and this delightful concoction is no exception.

Meet Courtney Meherg, the brilliant mind behind “The Gamble” cocktail, our Head Bartender, and an avid disc golf player with a fondness for high-octane TV shows who has been a part of our team for five years. Her passion for crafting unique cocktails shines through in every single sip of this exquisite creation.

“The Gamble” cocktail—mingles creativity, flavors, and a dash of adventure, and it’s inspired by the thrilling episodes of the TV show “Alone.” 

“The Gamble” boasts a delightful combination of two blended scotches, carefully united to add a captivating smokiness. But that’s not all—Courtney uses fun liquors in the concoction, elevating the flavors and brightening it with the summery essence of pamplemousse. To round off the cocktail’s profile, Villon, crafted from cognac, is added, lending a smooth and well-rounded finish. For a perfect touch of complexity, sea smoke bitters are added.

The beauty of “The Gamble” lies in its simplicity,  a perfectly stirred drink to preserve its harmonious flavors. 

Here’s the recipe:

  • 1 ounce Famous Grouse
  • 1 ounce Famous Grouse Smokey Black 
  • 1/2 ounce Giffard Pamplemousse Liqueur
  • 1/2 ounce Villon Cognac Liqueur
  • 3 to 5 dashes of Owl & Whale Sea Smoke Bitters

Add all ingredients to a stirring tin, stir for 30 to 40 seconds with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

Courtney’s culinary ingenuity extends beyond the cocktail realm; she incorporates seasonal ingredients all year round. In the kitchen, she values partnerships that prioritize using fresh, seasonal ingredients, which seamlessly translate into her specialty cocktails, cutting down on waste and enhancing the overall experience.

In every iteration of Novios’s cocktail menus, she ensures that there’s something for everyone. 

Courtney’s cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re a journey of flavors and an expression of her passion for mixology, and we love having her as the face behind our bar. 

To delve deeper into the world of our exquisite cocktails and culinary adventures, we invite you to join us on our Cocktails with Friends podcast, where we share insider tips, secret recipes, and engaging conversations with fellow enthusiasts of fine food and drink.

Cheers!