Aviary’s best-selling drink the Brix Layer has an origin story that's surprisingly the same as many new cocktails: it was born from an unwavering desire to pair two ingredients.

While drinking cabernet and Buffalo Trace Bourbon with visitng winemakers one evening, Aviary barman Ross Hunsinger felt an urge to create an alliance between these two libations. He did, and the end product has become a hit. Here’s how to make the Brix Layer at home.

You will need:

2 oz. Buffalo Trace bourbon
3/4 oz. Seven Falls cabernet
2 oz. orange sour mix
8 shakes Angostura bitters
1 sugar cube
Brandied cherries
Orange slice
Muddler
Strainer

Start out like an Old Fashioned: muddle 1 cube sugar, orange slice, a few brandied cherries and 8 shakes Angostura bitters.

Add 2 oz. orange sour mix followed by 2 oz. Buffalo Trace bourbon and stir instead of shake (this will result in a less diluted cocktail).

Pass through a strainer two times. Pour into martini glass with brandied cherry at bottom.

Pour 3/4 oz. Seven Falls cabernet over the back of a spoon to create floating layer.

Drink and repeat.

Photo by Michelle Lopez