This week-or-so lapse in posting is brought to you by the good folks at Martini & Rossi who — having got wind of Jimmy’s proposal to focus on aperitifs for this round of Mixology Monday — kindly invited me to visit their vermouth factory in Italy, then sent me on to Noilly Prat’s facility in… Continue Reading
Falernum Followup
Last summer, I embarked on a somewhat lengthy adventure with the Barbados liqueur-slash-sweetener, falernum. Feeling my way through the flavor, playing with different recipes (some posted, some — the best ones — not), trying different drinks in order to figure out what was the best or “true” falernum flavor — the whole deal. I should… Continue Reading
Mixology Monday III, IV and V
After a couple of weeks when I’ve been too busy to even breathe, it was good to break away, albeit briefly, to post for the most recent Mixology Monday. Even better, I wasn’t alone: 15 participants mixed up cocktails with mint. Click on over to Kaiser Penguin for the full wrapup, and thanks to Rick… Continue Reading
Mixology Monday III: Old Cuban
I’d heard about this drink, and thought about this drink, long before I ever tasted this drink. My delay in putting one of these together wasn’t due to any uncertainty about its potential — from just reading over the recipe, it’s easy to tell this elaborate relative of the mojito has plenty. Nor was it… Continue Reading
The Desire for That Which Is To Be Denied
Building a home bar is an exercise in setting priorities. Spicy rye whiskey, decent mixing gin and a bottle of Cointreau? Right up there at the top of the list. Maraschino liqueur, Campari and Chartreuse? Maybe around level B, after all the basics are covered and you’re ready to explore a little bit. Dutch-style gin… Continue Reading
