I’m a big fan of the BBQ Pit Boys. They’re entertaining, they’re informative, and they know their way around a grill or smoker, despite residing in Massachusetts. As such, I often turn to them when looking to break out of my grilling routines and find a new recipe for a staple. Thus, I recently gave their Grilled Slinky Dogs a shot.

First, put some butter out to soften. Second, cut a bunch of slits in your dogs, about halfway through. Third, season the butter with garlic powder, BBQ rub, and hot sauce or BBQ sauce as you desire. Mix it all together, spread it on those dogs — making sure to get it into the slits — and then cook them indirect.

I’ve now cooked these twice, once directly on the grates and once on a sheet of aluminum foil. While aluminum foil isn’t always copacetic, the dogs still came out perfectly and I skipped butter dripping into my grill. But the choice is yours.

This isn't revolutionary. Scientifically, the cuts increase the surface area and add more spots for the dogs to get nice and done. Holistically, it takes a simple process, the grilling of hot dogs, and makes it more intentional. They’re not just hot dogs, they’re a meal, something that you put some effort into. Plus, they really are delicious.

Dress them as you like, though I’d avoid overpowering them and losing the subtle flavors added by the prep and cooking methods. A little mustard, maybe some relish or kraut, maybe some onions are just fine, but you can trust these dogs to stand on their own. And despite my previous warning about overpowering them, these would make perfect chili dogs in cooler months.

But hot dogs, even grilled slinky dogs, do not make a total meal, much less an evening. When it comes to what to plate alongside your slinkies, I’ll trust you to go with what you like, but when it comes to an after dinner libation, I have to suggest a classic from the ‘80s, by way of the ‘30s.

The Between the Sheets is a descendent of the noble Sidecar. It follows the classic cocktail formula: spirit, sweet, and sour. In this case, though, it combines two spirits to add complexity.

It’s simple, delicious, and dangerously sippable. And you should definitely check it out.

Between the Sheets
1 Oz Light Rum
1 Oz Cognac
1 Oz Orange Liqueur
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, Your Call

Pour all the ingredients into a shaker. For the lemon juice, recipes are all over the place, so listen to your heart. I went heavy because I had half a lemon and didn’t feel like measuring. Less would be delicious, too.

Add ice to the shaker, mix it well, and strain into a martini or coupe. Sit back, sip, and remember that there are three shots of booze in there, so take your time.

Most important, don’t forget to add some entertainment to your dogs and drinks. When it comes out for home viewing, Top Gun: Maverick is a stellar choice. Until that time, the original Top Gun will do just fine. You’re not eating hot dogs and making rum drinks because today is dissimilar from the ‘80s, after all.

Coffee & Cochon