The Very Best Vintage Cocktail - The Lounge Decides

[Doctor Mabuse]

A very cold Rob Roy.

 

[armod]

americano sounds good to me but haven't fond a bartender who knows it yet.

I prefer not to teach mixes and go with something the bartender knows.


I love a good old fashioned as long as the cherries aren't muddled

 

[Mister Cairo]

I think it was created in the 1950s, but I'm partial to a Rusty Nail, or as I like to think of it, scotch with a side order of scotch!

 

[Hemerlin]

Then comes the zenith of man’s pleasure. Then comes the Julep

After watching this fine video from Mr. McMillian (presentation is indeed everything ), I'll have to revoke my former vote and endorse the Mint Julep.


THE MINT JULEP
But in the Blue Grass land there is a softer sentiment---a gentler soul. There is where the wind makes waves of the wheat and scents itself with the aroma of new-mown hay, there is no contest with the world outside. On summer days when, from his throne, the great sun dictates his commands, one may look forth across broad acres where the long grass falls and rises as the winds may blow it. He can see the billowy slopes far off, each heaving as the zephyrs touch it with a caressing hand. Sigh of the earth with never a sob, the wind comes to the Blue Grass. A sweet sigh, a loving one; a tender sigh, a lover’s touch, she gives the favored land. And the moon smiles at her caressing and the sun gives benediction to the lovers. Nature and earth are one---married by the wind and sun whispering leaflets on the happy tree.

Then comes the zenith of man’s pleasure. Then comes the Julep---the Mint Julep. Who has not tasted one has lived in vain. The honey of Hymettus brought no such solace to the soul; the nectar of the Gods is tame beside it. It is the very dream of drinks, the vision of sweet quaffings. The Bourbon and the mint are lovers. In the same land they live, on the same food they are fostered. The mint dips its infant leaf into the same stream that makes the Bourbon what it is. The corn grows in the level lands through which small streams meander. By the brook-side the mint grows. As the little wavelets pass, they glide up to kiss the feet of the growing mint, the mint bends to salute them. Gracious and kind it is, living only for the sake of others. The crushing of it only makes its sweetness more apparent. Like a woman’s heart, it gives its sweetest aroma when bruised. Among the first to greet the spring, it comes. Beside the gurgling brooks that make music in the pastures it lives and thrives.

When the Blue Grass begins to shoot its gentle sprays toward the sun, mint comes, and its sweetest soul drinks at the crystal brook. It is virgin then. But soon it must be married to Old Bourbon. His great heart, his warmth of temperament, and that affinity which no one understands, demand the wedding. How shall it be? Take from the cold spring some water, pure as angels are; mix it with sugar until it seems like oil. Then take a glass and crush you mint within it with a spoon---crush it around the borders of the glass and leave no place untouched. Then throw the mint away---it is a sacrifice.

Fill with cracked ice the glass; pour in the quantity of Bourbon which you want. It trickles slowly through the ice. Let it have time to col, then pour your sugared water over it. No spoon is needed, no stirring is allowed---just let it stand a moment. Then around the brim place sprigs of mint, so that the one who drinks may find a taste and odor at one draught.
When it is made, sip it slowly. August suns are shining, the breath of the south wind is upon you. It is fragrant, cold and sweet---it is seductive. No maiden’s touch could be more passionate. Sip it and dream, it is a dream itself. No other land can give so sweet a solace for your cares; no other liquor soothes you so in melancholy days. Sip it and say there is no solace for the soul, no tonic for the body like Old Bourbon whiskey.

THE END
-- Col. Joshua Soule Smith (ca. 1880)

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Thank you.

Hermerlin, thank you so much for introducing me to that great little video cocktail series. The chap is superb and, from what I seen, seems to really know his stuff.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

A heads up that I think I'm going to post the voting thread on Tuesday 1st September jsut in case anyone had any nomination they had not yet made. We've got a good list so far. I'm also trying to work out how many different ingredients you would need to make all of them. I've ****ed it at about 38 so far.

 

[Medvssa]

I am quite new to cocktails, and so perhaps too unexperienced to nominate any. But I liked the Ramos Gin Fizz so much that I would like to anyway

 

[Ethan Bentley]

I am quite new to cocktails, and so perhaps too unexperienced to nominate any. But I liked the Ramos Gin Fizz so much that I would like to anyway

An excellent suggestion, if I may so. I've only recently tried with this chap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj417erX2W8 as my guide.

 

[Medvssa]

I followed this recipe: http://cocktailhacker.com/?p=1107
I didn't think preparing it was a pain, but rather part of the fun (taking turns with the 5 minute shake and so on )
I used orange flower water from the middle eastern shop, which probably can be improved, 4 or 5 drops didn't bring a noticeable flavour.

I will watch the video when I get home

 

[Vanessa]

Another vote for the sidecar.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Nominations are now closed.
Please vote here: http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/449870