Harvey’s Bristol Cream ads of the mid ‘70’s hypnotized me as a child. There was one with a woman in a bronze Quiana halter jumpsuit. She’d talk to the camera about having invited a man over. I couldn’t wait til I was a grownup and could do the exact same thing.
I was proud of myself for recognizing the term absinthe (among others from previous post of yours)! tbh I’m such a green foot 🤦 when it comes to anything mixology. That and, I really wanted to say that I just love all the intention behind you cocktail creation you mentioned at the end of the post. From its name to its ingredients, it just sounds so masterfully crafted; I’m absolutely intrigued.
I want to add another word about “brands” — don’t be intimidated by the emphasis on brand names which you see in online recipes. It is simply paid advertising.
Unless you are buying $2 dollar rotgut, I’m sure a reasonably priced bottle of ANYTHING will be fine to start your first cocktails. Go for the Costco brand!
Much, MUCH, more important to cocktail-making, which many fuck up, is being PRECISE in your measurements. No guessing. No slopping it in. Be precise when you pour, and truly shake or stir adequate ice, for a diligent amount of time.
Those two things are what count: you will make an excellent 3-ingredient (or more) drink.
I’ve never been a fan of vermouth or sherry but I’m tempted to try making some of the cocktails you mention. Are there any brands that you would recommend?
I’m flattered you’re tempted! What fun you’re going to have.
You’ll probably find vermouths from companies like Dolin, Martini and Rosso, Carpano— any of them are good. Vermouth is an essential in many Classic drinks, it’s like putting butter in the pan before you sauté, you know?
Sherry, there are some that are really undrinkable, that get called “cooking sherry.” But look for the Amontillado from Spain, I’m sure your local liquor store will have the mainstream brands. Did you know its literary patron saint is Edgar Allan Poe? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amontillado
I think I’m remembering undrinkable versions of all of those from 35 years ago! 😂 thank you for the suggestions and now I think I’ll need to get Amontillado because of Edgar Allen Poe. Thank you!
That’s a fascinating approach to absinthe! I had a friend who had an absinthe spoon and did the whole sugar cube drip thing. It was a beautiful color.
Harvey’s Bristol Cream ads of the mid ‘70’s hypnotized me as a child. There was one with a woman in a bronze Quiana halter jumpsuit. She’d talk to the camera about having invited a man over. I couldn’t wait til I was a grownup and could do the exact same thing.
I need to save this one. The mention of Kummel warms the Germanic corner of my heart and I plan on making a Surly Temple soon.
If you put a splash or two of Kümmel , in your next batch of potato soup, or borscht, you will be in love.
I was proud of myself for recognizing the term absinthe (among others from previous post of yours)! tbh I’m such a green foot 🤦 when it comes to anything mixology. That and, I really wanted to say that I just love all the intention behind you cocktail creation you mentioned at the end of the post. From its name to its ingredients, it just sounds so masterfully crafted; I’m absolutely intrigued.
You made me think of A Cask of Amontillado. Bravo!
I miss the days I could drink. If I still could, I’d happily die a drunk, like my grandfather. Sayin.
Now I have to read that short Poe story again. In the meantime, try a Surly Temple and lift the glass!
I want to add another word about “brands” — don’t be intimidated by the emphasis on brand names which you see in online recipes. It is simply paid advertising.
Unless you are buying $2 dollar rotgut, I’m sure a reasonably priced bottle of ANYTHING will be fine to start your first cocktails. Go for the Costco brand!
Much, MUCH, more important to cocktail-making, which many fuck up, is being PRECISE in your measurements. No guessing. No slopping it in. Be precise when you pour, and truly shake or stir adequate ice, for a diligent amount of time.
Those two things are what count: you will make an excellent 3-ingredient (or more) drink.
I’ve never been a fan of vermouth or sherry but I’m tempted to try making some of the cocktails you mention. Are there any brands that you would recommend?
I’m flattered you’re tempted! What fun you’re going to have.
You’ll probably find vermouths from companies like Dolin, Martini and Rosso, Carpano— any of them are good. Vermouth is an essential in many Classic drinks, it’s like putting butter in the pan before you sauté, you know?
Sherry, there are some that are really undrinkable, that get called “cooking sherry.” But look for the Amontillado from Spain, I’m sure your local liquor store will have the mainstream brands. Did you know its literary patron saint is Edgar Allan Poe? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amontillado
I think I’m remembering undrinkable versions of all of those from 35 years ago! 😂 thank you for the suggestions and now I think I’ll need to get Amontillado because of Edgar Allen Poe. Thank you!
What a delightful rundown of those mysterious, seething cupboards of creative cocktail creation in our kitchen.