Two weeks ago, when the protests erupted in Egypt, I was planning a Stay at Home Cocktails event. One of my friends mentioned that I should create a drink for the protesters called the Pharaoh’s Freedom. Even though it was a stupid name about freeing what was essentially a political despot, I decided to go ahead and do it. Now that Mubarak is gone, it’s time to share this special drink. 

I wanted to get all of the flavors of Egypt into a drink, so I knew I wanted it to be sweet and fragrant with a bit of smokiness. Here it is. In a blender, combine the following:

• 1/4 chopped mango
• 1 1/2 oz blended scotch
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/4 oz pomegranate nectar
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 cup ice

Then pour it into a cocktail glass and float two essential ingredients on top: rose water and a dash of orange bitters.

Honestly, it’s not the prettiest drink on the planet, but the taste is something else. The first thing you notice is the scent  rose water. Even just a dash on top is enough to make it overpoweringly fragrant. Scotch may seem like an odd choice, but I know they drink it in Egypt, for my wife’s parents, who are Egyptian, always take Scotch to people’s houses when they go visit or go to dinner. Anything can be substituted, but I think the drink needs some kind of whiskey, probably a blended kind like Crown Royal. Bourbon would be fine, too, and I imagine this drink would be good with gin, as well.

So here it is. Try it at home and toast to Egypt’s freedom from Mubarak’s 30-year rule. And let’s pray for Egypt’s future.