In springtime they say, a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of love.  Well. in January, a young gentleman's fancy turns to thoughts of bourbon!  And fruit with a pit in it!  That's why, in this episode, the Gents are mixing bourbon up with peach nectar and apricot liqueur.  Let's get started.

First up is a drink called the French Kiss.  it's pink!

French Kiss

1 3/4 ounces bourbon 
3/4 ounce apricot liqueur 
w teaspoons grenadine 
1 teaspoon lemon juice 

Pour ingredients over cracked ice in a shaker and shake vigorously until well chilled.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Did we we mention that it’s pink?   Full disclosure; this was the favourite drink of the two. A little bit sweet and a little bit tart but with the bourbon still on full show.  And it’s pink!

Next up is a cocktail called Queen of Memphis.  This one is fun because it calls for Midori melon liqueur.  You may recall it from the Midori Sour.  It’s a neon green colour and helps turn this drink yellow!   Such a lot of colours in this episode!

Queen of Memphis 

1 3/4 ounces bourbon 
3/4 ounce Midori 
3/r ounce peach juice 
dash of maraschino liqueur 

Pour all the ingredients over cracked ice in a shaker and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Did we we mention this drink is yellow?  That’s probably the best thing the Gents can say about this drink.  Overall, the drink was a little “thin”.  It was described as “less than the sum of its parts” which is unfortunate for such a terrific looking drink.  Why don’t you try making one and let us know what you think?

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In this episode, the Gents try two drinks that seem (on paper) to be very similar but (in mouth) are vastly different. 

First up is an ancient tipple called The Martinez.  At first glance you see gin and vermouth and you think, "Martini" right?  WRONG!  It calls for "Old Tom style gin".  Its like regular gin but a little bit sweeter.   The vermouth is sweet too.  See for yourself.

The Martinez

2 ounces Old Tom style gin
1 ounce Italian Red vermouth
1/2 tsp Luxardo maraschino liqueur
2 dashes bitters (we used Angostura)

 In a mixing glass, combine gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur bitters with 2 cups of ice.  Stir to chill and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Twist a strip of lemon over the top and drop it in.

Isn't this a nice amber coloured beverage?  Taste is a little bit sweet but it doesn't come across too sweet because of the trick of the lemon oil we've spattered over the surface of the drink.  Enjoy this 140 year old drink responsibly.

Next up is a classic dry Martini.  The Gents couldn't believe that they hadn't done it already.

Martini

2 ounces gin
1/4 ounce dry vermouth
1 drop Angostura bitters

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.  Stir to chill and strain into  chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish with a jumbo olive.

That's it.  The big classic.  If you would like it "drier", drop the amount of vermouth.  If you like it "wetter" add more vermouth.  Some old recipes even call for equal proportions of gin and vermouth.  Mix it as you like it.  You are after all the Harry Houdini, of your favourite Martini!

Please leave a comment and let us know if there are any drinks you would like to have us mix up.

See you next time!