Gentlemen of Elegant Leisure

Episode 2 - Take a Sloe Ride

5/23/2016

This time out, a search for Sloe Gin drinks takes a sideways turn from Trader Vic's to Patrick Gavin Duffy's "The Standard Bartenders Guide". The Trader refers to a drink that (as of 1972) is going out of style called the Blackthorn Cocktail. Intrigued, the Gentlemen discover two versions of the same drink. One with Sloe Gin and Sweet Vermouth, the other with Irish Whiskey and Dry Vermouth. Naturally, they have to try them both! Both of these recipes come from the 1960 edition of "The Standard Bartenders Guide".

Blackthorn Cocktail #1

3/4 ounce Sloe Gin
3/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Orange Bitters

Stir well with ice and strain in to a cocktail glass. Twist lemon peel and serve with a cherry.

Between the drinks Dave shares an Irish anecdote. And then . . .

Blackthorn Cocktail #2

1 ounce Irish Whiskey
1 ounce Dry Vermouth
3 dashes Absinthe (or Pernod)
3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Stir well with ice and strain in to a cocktail glass.

One of these drinks is a helluva lot better than the other one. Yikes! The Irish Whiskey does NOT play well with the Dry Vermouth. The Whiskey Blackthorn tried a little later with Sweet Vermouth, comes off a whole lot better. You never know until you try though! Here's our on the spot adaptation. Cheers!

Blackthorn Cocktail #3

1 ounce Irish Whiskey
1 ounce Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Absinthe (or Pernod)
3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Stir well with ice and strain in to a cocktail glass.