Happy Martini Day

 Today is the day we recognize a classic cocktail, the Martini.  And by that I mean the true classic- a simple combination of dry London gin, vermouth, and a garnish of olive or a twist of citrus peel.  Served ice cold.  I have no strong opinion on the stirred vs shaken debate.  Years of experience and a degree in chemistry has not enabled me to discern much of a difference there.  But I do insist on gin (not vodka), with a sturdy Beefeater's London gin being my favorite.  The familiar cocktail was, by some accounts, first invented at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City over 100 years ago.  I've had the pleasure of enjoying a martini at that very hotel recently. But one needn't travel far to taste a good martini, it being so simple to mix at home.  With good ingredients and some simple barware, one may mix the optimal cocktail in the comfort of one's home. Indeed, the bon vivant and actor Stanley Tucci has made a reputation as a martini mixologist, and is happy to show you how it's done. So however and wherever you prefer, enjoy a well-made martini today. Cheers!

Manhattan Project

 On a lazy, sunny afternoon in Fall, I always try to make the most of my waning weekend before the return to the rat race on Monday morning.  And today the relaxation regimen includes my favorite cocktail: the Manhattan.  I understand the famed tipple was invented in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City, and that its creation involved Jennie Jerome, notorious party gal and American mother of Winston Churchill.  I have enjoyed many variations of the cocktail - and especially enjoy a good Boulevardier - but I will always return with avidity to the classic. My preferred recipe uses 3 parts Knob Creek rye, 1 part sweet vermouth, 3 dashes angostura bitters all shaken with ice then strained into a Nick and Nora glass and garnished with a cherry.  Cheers!

Manhattan cocktail

Negroni Week

 By some amazing work on the part of an unknown marketing genious, the classic Negroni cocktail enjoys a week long celebration.  Not just a day, as for example, the cheeseburger basked in yesterday.  But a whole Negroni Week.  I began to enjoy this concoction a couple years ago and have appreciated its flavorful and refreshing characteristics ever since.  From three simple ingredients - gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari - a drink of striking appearance and bold flavor issues forth. To make one for yourself, take one jigger of...  You know what, ignore me.  Instead, watch as bon vivant gourmand Stanley Tucci shows you how to make a proper Negroni.  Enjoy the week!