Episode 40 - More Christmas Cocktails!

It's that time of year again isn't it?  It's great and horrible and fun and dreadful and it all takes for ever to happen and it all happens too fast.  We call it "THE HOLIDAYS".  Sounds similar to "THE HUNGER GAMES" doesn't it?  Well let's try to be positive about it.  Look at that collection of amber coloured friends up above there.  Mr. Myers and his date Ms. Havana Club.  Havana good time more like, am I right?  And look at that Knob Creek bourbon hanging out with Apricot Liqueur.  That's a party you want to be at!  Let's get started.

All those ingredients go into what Fred calls "Laura's Artillerymen's Punch".  He found a punch recipe in his old Playboy Bar guide called "Artillerymen's Punch".  It called for stong black tea.  Fred's wife Laura suggested strong blackcurrant tea instead, and this drink was born.  Freddy scaled back the ingredient amounts but this still makes enough for a couple of drinks.  Looks like almost 2 cups!  Let's give it a try.

Laura's Artillerymen's Punch
-Fred Partridge (adapted from the Artillerymen's punch in Playboy's Bar Guide by Thomas Mario)

3 1/2 oz bourbon
1 1/4 oz light rum
1/2 oz dark rum
3/4 oz apricot brandy
1 1/2 oz lemon juice
3 1/2 oz orange juice
3 1/2 oz black currant tea
1/4 oz simple syrup

Shake all the ingredients with ice then strain into a collins glass over ice

Is that a "Hello Deli" mug in the background?

Look at that big boozy drink.  One of these will certainly take all the rough edges off of your day.  I don't know what two would do so be very careful with this one.  Treat it as you would treat actual artillery.

Next up is a warm drink.  A hot toddy.  Perfect for a chilly day.  This one comes from Imbibe Magazine and is credited to Michelle Shriver of Dutch and Company in Richmond, Virginia.  This drink is sooo
good.   Michelle calls it the "Bells Will Be Ringing Hot Toddy".  They certainly will.  Here's how to make 'em ring in your own home.

Bells Will Be Ringing Hot Toddy
Michelle Shriver of Dutch and Company in Richmond, Virginia

1 ounce dark rum
1 ounce apple brandy
1/4 ounce amaretto
1/2 ounce cherry liqueur
1 ounce pineapple syrup
1/4 ounce ginger juice (or 2 pieces of ginger muddled)
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1 ounce Earl Grey tea
3 ounces of hot water

Warm a serving cup (either a 10 0unce heatproof glass or a mug) with hot water.  Add the ingredients to the glass and stir to combine.  Garnish with an orange twist.

Look at that wonderfulness will you?  All of the flavours combine so well.  It says in it's description that it's flavours are inspired by fruitcake.  Don't let that spook you.  I know we're all taught to avoid and make fun of fruitcake.  This isn't fruitcake.  This is a drink with all the tastes you associate with this time of year.  It's a mouthful of memories this one.  Maybe even memories you don't actually have, you know?  This drink will take you back to that party you went to on a snowy evening in 1872.  Please make this drink and if you're in Richmond, Virginia, go in and thank Michelle Shriver personally for this one.

The Gentlemen of Elegant Leisure wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!  Be safe and have fun!

In this episode, Jason says that since we're drinking out of a "Hello Deli" mug, he'll post of a picture of him with Rupert Jee from the Hello Deli in New York City.  Here it is.   Thanks for the sandwich and all the laughs on Letterman, Rupert!