The Lonesome Catacombs is a modern cocktail that was created by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of Sips From Scripts, for a cocktail challenge. It was inspired by the music video for the song "Dearly Departed" by Shakey Graves, which depicts a couple’s self-destruction after a breakup. At one point, the artist's ghost blends up a purple drink made of cough syrup and neon green liqueur and serves it to the grieving ex-boyfriend. To recreate this concoction’s color, Empress 1908 Gin is used as the base, flamed rosemary is shaken in, and all are mixed with Lillet Rosé, citrus juice, and simple syrup as a nod to the fire in which he ultimately meets his end. Plus, an added a touch of absinthe is used to help the delusion along.
Add gin, Lillet Rosé, lemon juice, simple syrup, absinthe, and one rosemary sprig to a shaker.
Fill shaker with cubed ice.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer, strain into a coupe glass.
Flame rosemary sprig and add to glass as garnish.