The Complicated Drink
Having grown up during the era of Cocktail Parties I have a fondness for an occasional complicated drink.
Complicated Drinks include anything that involves more than twist-tops and popping corks. Join me in making cosmos, highballs, martinis, sangria (the real stuff), manhattans, fuzzy navals, and mojitos -- then come take a sip of my Complicated Drinks!
It's Not the Drink, It's the Process!
Part of the joy of a Complicated Drink is the process of making one: The fancy glass, the joyful tinkle of ice against shaker, and the flourish of color that the proper garnish provides.
So step into my virtual bar and join me for a virtual cocktail hour!
Recipe of the Month
Mojito!Last month my parents and I drove to Seattle and enjoyed a great dinner with my brother and a long-time college friend of Mom. Barbara lives in New York City and became good friends with my brother while he lived there. After all these years I was excited to finally meet her. And what a great meeting! She introduced me to my first Mojito, a bubbly and refreshing cocktail from Cuba. Since that first tangy Mojito I've become quite the master (mistress?) of making this wonderful drink. It's replaced my weekly pitcher of Sangria this summer (yes, it's that good!)
Classic Cuban Mojito
2 ounces simple syrup or 3 teaspoons sugar
1/2 fresh lime
10 fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh ice
splash of bitters (optional)
1 1/2 ounce Rum (light)
2 ounces club soda (or any clear sparkling water)
1 sprig of mint for garnish
1 lime wedge for garnish
Muddle the sugar syrup, fresh mint leaves, and lime juice. Add the rum and crushed ice. I like to shake this mixture, then pour into a tall glass adding the soda and stirring gently. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint leaves. If you make a larger batch, this makes an excellent drink for a party.
For a twist to this summertime cocktail, replace the rum with Cruzan mango rum.
Simple Sugar Syrup Recipe Sugar syrup is easy to make and a must for any in-home cocktail loune. You can make this in batches then keep in the refrigerator and use as needed. For a thick syrup use equal parts water and sugar and cook over a low heat until clear. Bring to a boil for one or two minutes. Cool and place in a container. Suggested initial batch is one cup sugar and one cup water.
Visit Jack Daniels for more great recipes recipes!
The image above is by artist Michael Clark.
Here is the ultimate girl-guide for making complicated drinks, which can be purchased at Martini Art.com
The Bird Chair illustration shown above is by an amazing retro-artist, Shag, also known as Josh Agle.
