Posted by Trott

I finished the last of the Gin Cocktails in The Joy of Cooking yesterday. The Vodka Cocktails section starts with a Bloody Mary. Today is Sunday and it seems like it might have been nice to have that with brunch. But no! No drinks for me today! In an effort to prove that this project is not turning me into an alcoholic, I am taking (at least) a day off before starting the Vodka Cocktails.

Anyway, here are the winners from the Gin Cocktails section: The second of the two Martini recipes (gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and an olive garnish) and the Negroni (gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and an orange slice garnish).

I purchased cocktail glasses so that I could experience these drinks in a chilled cocktail glass, the way that God intended. I must say, it really makes all the difference, even if that difference is largely or entirely psychological. Being a bachelor, I might be prone to drinking the cocktails from a pint glass. I say to you other bachelors: No! Get a cocktail glass! Put it in the freezer! You will thank me!

Also, since it's impossible to discuss Martinis without conjuring James Bond, I will say: Stirred! Not shaken! (If I had the instructional video that Mr. Underhill Lounge pointed me to, I would link it here. It makes the case convincingly.)

Labels: joy of cooking