Daniel Stovall, Winthrop University
Interrogating Epigenetic Networks in Cancers
May 20, 2021
Dr. Daniel Stovall from Winthrop University is an Assistant Professor in Biology. He received his PhD in Cancer Biology from Wake Forest University.
Prior to coming to Winthrop, Dr. Stovall was an Assistant Professor of Biology at North Carolina Wesleyan College where he taught multiple courses in the biomedical science major, including Human Anatomy and Physiology, Histology, and Developmental Biology. While at NCWC, Dr. Stovall served as the Advisor for the Science Club and won Advisor of the Year (2018-2019).
His research focuses on aberrant epigenetic regulation of tumor suppressor genes in human cancers.
Our sincerest apologies, due to unforeseen circumstances, a recording for this session is not available.
Dr. Stovall told us that his favorite beverage is an Old Fashioned. Our “mixologist” and Program Manager John Clarkson responded with this:
The Old Fashioned is one of my top two cocktails (the other is the martini). It is a tried and true concoction full of flavor and is perfect for almost any occasion. It is considered one of the five “basic” cocktails every bartender should know as a fundamental element of their repertoire (the others are: the martini, the traditional daiquiri, the traditional margarita and the Manhattan). “Basic” not in terms of quality but in the simplicity (four ingredients or less) of the recipe. The basic cocktail is more about highlighting the flavor profile of the spirit and the additional ingredients consists of an aromatic, a flavor “carrier” and/or flavor “compliment.”
A traditional Old Fashioned uses bourbon as the main spirit. The additional ingredients are: the aromatic — Angostura bitters; the flavor carrier/compliment — turbinado sugar; garnish — orange peel. The bitters and orange peel provide an essence of rich citrus which compliments the bourbon’s smoky/woodsy full-body flavor while the sugar brightens the flavor with a subtle amount of sweetness.
For this mocktail, we will substitute the bourbon with our homemade non-alcoholic bourbon (see recipe). You can also substitute with ginger ale or ginger beer, sweetened black tea or cider. While these substitutes aren’t the most accurate in mimicking the flavor of bourbon, they certainly can make a delicious drink with the rest of the ingredients.
MOCKTAIL RECIPE: Old Fashioned
Hardware:
12 oz. highball glass
Large ice cubes (you can get silicone molds for large squared ice cubes at most retail outlets (Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond and the internet)
Mixing Spoon or Cocktail stirrer
Software:
1/4 tsp super fine granulated white sugar (allows it to dissolve easily in the cocktail)
3 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 tsp. Water
2 oz. of homemade non-alcoholic Bourbon (see below) - or - sweetened black tea - or - apple cider
Garnish Orange peel
Preparation:
In the highball glass combine the sugar, bitters and water. Stir to dissolve the sugar
Of note: our bourbon alternative will be sweeter than traditional bourbon so we will use less sugar in the mocktail recipe. If you prefer not to use the bourbon alternative, you can substitute sweetened black teak or apple cider as a bourbon alternative. As these ingredients will also be sweeter than traditional bourbon, please use the same amount of sugar as above.
Fill the glass with ice (depending on how big your ice cubes, you may need only 1 or 2)
Next, add your non-alcoholic bourbon or other substitute. Light stir to combine.
Garnish with orange peel and enjoy!
Non-alcoholic bourbon
Hardware:
Small Saucier (small 2qt or less pot)
Software:
1/2 cup of brewed black tea (or 1 cup of black tea if you want to remove the apple cider)
1/2 cup of apple cider
2 tbsp of honey - or - maple syrup - or - molasses; or any combination of the three
Dash of vanilla extract
1 tsp brown sugar (light or dark)
1 stick of cinnamon
1 star anise
2-3 cloves
Dash of salt
Preparation:
Bourbon has a unique flavor profile consisting of smooth vanilla, brown sugar with notes of spice, fruity, citrus, charred oak (smoky). As such the ingredients provide the best chance of mimicking the uniqueness of bourbon flavor. You can adjust the amounts of any ingredients to find the perfect match for you.
Of note: our bourbon alternative will be sweeter than traditional bourbon so we will use less sugar in the mocktail recipe.
Of note: for a sweet/floral bourbon alternative use honey. For a sweet/woodsy bourbon alternative, use maple syrup. For a smoky bourbon alternative, use molasses. To mimic the complexity of bourbon, use all three!
Combine all ingredients in a saucier and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes; strain and pour into a storable container. Keep refrigerated.
Optional: add a 1 peeled zest of orange for a brighter finish.
Recipe makes 8-10 oz. of bourbon alternative – enough for 4 mocktails using 2 oz. of bourbon alternative.