…would smell of bourbon if we had our way. But until that kind of Kentucky hybrid is available, we’ll be exploring another rose, the Jack Rose Cocktail. Shakespeare himself would be pleased with the misunderstandings and legends surrounding the origins of this libation’s name. The first story is the simplest with the drink deriving its … Continue reading A Rose By Any Other Name…
No, we haven’t traded cocktails for couples counseling. The honeymoon that we’re talking about is the Honeymoon Cocktail. This vintage cocktail originally appeared in the Hugo Ensslin’s book, Recipes for Mixed Drinks, in 1917, but was made famous as the signature cocktail at the Brown Derby in Los Angeles. Since then it’s been through many … Continue reading The Bitter Edge of a Honeymoon
We’ve all heard of Harry Craddock and the famous Savoy Hotel in London where he held court during Prohibition, but have you ever heard of Ada Coleman? No? Well, for the first five years Craddock was at the Savoy, he worked in the service bar while she was the face of the Savoy. Impressive by … Continue reading My Baby Drinks A Hanky Panky
Katruska and I have never been fans of tropical or “tiki” style drinks because of their tendency toward sugary sweet flavors and the danger of loosing an eye to paper umbrella. So we weren’t all that happy when it came time to taste The Fogcutter cocktail. This a cocktail’s origins whose are firmly rooted in … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: The Fogcutter
Today’s adventure in vintageland (yes, I know it’s not a word) is courtesy of the Doctor Cocktail. It’s a cocktail born of the Trader Vic tradition, but heavily influenced by similar drinks created in 1936 at the Ritz Bar in Paris. It is a very simple drink with only three ingredients: rum, Swedish Punsch, and … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: Doctor Cocktail
In recognition of Earth Day we felt compelled to look into organic ingredients and liquors. And, of course, it gave us the opportunity to create another libation of our own. While there are some organic liquors out there, it was surprising that there were not more distillers who operate in the “green” and produce eco-friendly … Continue reading Earth Day – I’ll drink to that!
In addition to being lovers of libation, Nicky and I are long-time theater enthusiasts who have spent way too much time in dark cavernous theaters trying to find our light. Which may explain the love of libation. I digress. Atlanta Lyric Theatre holds a special place in our hearts, so it was a pleasure to … Continue reading Raising the Curtain on “Lyric Lemonade”
There are as many approaches toward a Manhattan as there are to, well, Manhattan itself. Bourbon or rye? Broadway or the Village? What type of vermouth? See a musical or a drama? Ice or straight up? Cab or subway? No wrong answers. Well, maybe a couple, but we won’t judge. Lately, we’ve had several requests … Continue reading I’ll Take Manhattan
The phrase “East India” in the late 1800s conjured up exotic images of ancient cultures, mysterious religions, and cocktails. Well, at least one…cocktail that is. The original East India Cocktail recipe first appeared in Harry Johnson’s book New and Improved Bartender’s Manual in 1882 and it was an amalgamation of liquors from many parts of … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: East India Cocktail
Nicky and I had the pleasure of providing two more handcrafted, signature cocktails for the lovely Mistress of Soup Jenny Levison as we celebrated the spring equinox with dinner in her front yard. Twenty or so friends gathered for cocktails on the lawn, fellowship, a delicious communal meal, and a celebration of the change in … Continue reading Celebrating the Spring Equinox with the Mistress of Soup
Our Libatious Nature 