Like many people, I’ve watched the capabilities of AI unfold with wonderment. I’ve been a fan but only to the point of amusement. Chat GPT can write a long epic poem in perfect iambic pentameter, it can write up legal contracts and it can create new cocktail recipes. Bars have already ventured into featuring AI-created menus and have even capitalized on robotic bartenders that execute AI recipes. That said I don’t feel like GPT can come close to replacing my culinary or literary sensibilities.
On one hand, I’m impressed that AI-generated recipes often seem balanced. There is an underlying theory regarding cocktails and GPT seems to have the blueprint right. Yet, I don’t feel like I’ve seen anything that particularly wowed me yet either. It’s almost robotic; the theory is there but greatness is lacking. It reminds me of the many times I’ve had an idea for a new cocktail that seemed good in theory but then it took numerous tweaks before we got the flavor that we really wanted.
It’s the same with using AI to write something. It can produce technically good writing but I always find it lacking—particularly in the capacity for originality. Take, for instance, my essays on the origin of bourbon where I argue that bourbon originates in the greater Ohio Valley and not just Kentucky. I tried to utilize AI to help me write an early draft of these articles by feeding it my research findings. The problem is that AI is overtrained in conventional wisdom and is therefore challenged to write contrary to it. So ultimately, anytime I’ve tried to utilize AI to help me write something, I’ve been disappointed and chose not to use any part of it.
I’ve also tried to utilize Chat GPT to help me brainstorm names. Despite the dozen or so lists of 20+ names that I’ve generated, I have yet to actually use a name that’s been generated by Chat GPT. I am always looking for a name that I could imagine standing with the classics and what Chat GPT generally gets me is a list of Martha Stewert worthy seasonal cocktail names but nothing that seems enduring or serious.
I’m still intrigued and impressed by AI but I fail to believe that the “Citrus Bourbon Bliss” will ever be classic–even if it tastes good!
Citrus Bourbon Bliss (An AI-Generated Recipe)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2-3 dashes of Bitters (Angostura or orange bitters work great)
- Ice
- Orange slice and lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
- Chill Your Glass: Start by placing your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes to get it nicely chilled. A rocks glass or a highball works well for this cocktail.
- Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, triple sec, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, and bitters. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake Well: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want to ensure everything is well mixed and chilled.
- Prepare the Glass: Remove your glass from the freezer. If you like, you can rim the glass with a mix of sugar and finely grated orange zest for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice. The strainer will catch any ice shards and ensure a smooth drink.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of orange and a lime wheel on the rim of the glass. These not only add to the visual appeal but also hint at the flavors within the drink.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the complex flavors of your “Citrus Bourbon Bliss.”
This cocktail strikes a perfect balance between the warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of triple sec, and the fresh citrus notes of orange and lime juices, with a hint of complexity from the bitters. It’s an excellent drink for both bourbon aficionados and those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail. Cheers!
Note: I made this cocktail. It’s not a bad start but it’s lacking. It needs something to give it some depth and complexity. It’s just what I’d expect from AI–it’s not bad but it’s not WOW!