Classic Cocktail - Jewel

Jewel
Originally uploaded by chipandandy

I got this wonderful little tome from ebay a couple of months back and have been enjoying it very much. The other night I found myself in the mood for a cocktail (surprise), so I flip through and find an interesting one with Gin and Chartreuse. It is called a "Jewell" and is Gin, Chartreuse, Italian Vermouth and a dash of Orange bitters.

Well, as I sit down at the computer to enjoy my cocktail I read that Mixology Monday's theme is Gin. Perfect, I have a classic cocktail that is Gin based that is rather tasty.

Try the cocktail, then head over to Oh Gosh! to see what everyone else has cooked up.


Jewell

1 Pony Green Chartreuse

1 Pony Italian Vermouth

1 Pony Dry Gin

1 Dash Orange Bitters

Enjoy. I did.

Mojitos... And drinks like them.

Limes!
Originally uploaded by chipandandy

Well... as most of the US starts the chilly decline into winter, we here in South Florida are still sitting under a heat index that is over 100 degrees. I only share that to make the point that those fine summer drinks, like a Mojito, don't need to be closeted away just yet.

Mojito

3 - 4 Mint Leaves, plus a pretty sprig

1 -2 Tablespoons of Sugar, granulated is best

1 medium size Lime, quartered or smaller

1.5 ounce Light Rum

Club soda

Muddle lime, sugar, and mint in a heavy bottomed collins glass. Add crushed ice, rum, soda, and stir lightly. Garnish with Mint sprig and a straw.

Some recipes call for bitters, I think a dash of Angostura is a real treat in this drink.


Why the Mojito? Well, a couple of things......

First, I read this hilarious post over at The Art of Drink that involves. among other drinks, the Mojito. Then, Skitiki is keeping the FOM Test Kitchens busy with a Drink of the Month, and this month she has taken our humble Ti' Punch and moved it forward in time and taste to the Mojito. I figure back-to-back Mojito references is a sign to step behind the bar for a moment....

I like Mojitos, and like many fine drinks a good Mojito is a thing of beauty and taste. Sadly, this drink is well on its way to being commercialized, if it hasn't already crossed that threshold, and that will be a shame. There is nothing more depressing than to see good drinks wind up inside of a slurpy machine (I still love you Margarita), or worse yet, seeing a whole menu devoted to all of the 'variations' (sorry Martini). But, with your help maybe we can save this one.....

How do you make a good Mojito? Simple. Find some good looking mint, the best smelling lime you can find in your markets, and a good Light Rum. Like any other drink, quality counts so get the best you can find, or at least the best you can afford. Now, as to the rum, my friend Scottes recommends Ron Matusalem Platino. I tried the last batch with Oronoco (thanks Helz!) and I was very pleased. I don't recommend Bacardi, unless that is the only light rum you happen to have on your bar, because it is a boring rum with absolutely no character or body.

I can't offer any kind of secret to the mint beyond fresh, or any tips for muddling the drink, or some super-secret formulation for the club soda. I can offer you a drink that will help you hold on to what ever is left of summer in your area, even if you have to stand over a heating grate to be able to wear your shorts.

Go, get mixing.


Yes, I know my picture is really a Caprihnia, but I was digging in the back of the bar and got distracted... The camera battery didn't make it to round two.