There’s something romantic about a classic cocktail. What’s romantic (or drinkable, for that matter) about an appletini? Nothing. The romance of a classic cocktail, though, is indisputable. Invented in dark underground speakeasies, on the beach of a far-off island or by a brash barmaid who doesn’t take shit from anyone, classic cocktails are the subject of Salvatore Calabrese’s unimaginatively titled but conveniently alphabetized Classic Cocktails.
Almost equaling my ridiculous affinity for romantic cocktail backstories is my newfound enthusiasm for rum (particularly the funky kind.). How delighted I was to find not the recipe for a Bee’s Knees, but a variation that swaps Jamaican rum for gin in a Honey Bee. Three simple ingredients and a vigorous shake later, you’re done.
While the idea was good, the result was unbalanced. I tried a version of this at home, which resulted in a sweeter, smoother sip, but the ratios in this recipe resulted in a drink that was sour and lopsided. The good news: These cocktails are easy, fun to play with and use basic ingredients. So go ahead, switch up the proportions, add a splash of bitters and create your own riff on a classic. Maybe there’ll be a romantic story of your own to go along with it.
Skill level: Easy peasy, lemon squeezy
This book is for: Thirsty, booze-loving romantics. Sigh.
Other recipes to try: Basil smash, sidecar
The verdict: While this book is easy to digest and chock-full of recipes, the unbalanced nature of the cocktail kept it out of the winner’s circle. Cuban Cocktails prevails.
Honey Bee
1 serving
2 oz. Jamaican rum
1 oz. lemon juice
2 bar spoons organic honey
• Combine the ingredients in a shaker and stir the mixture to ensure that the honey is diluted. Add a scoop of ice and shake long and hard. Strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with a twist of lemon.
Reprinted with permission from Sterling Epicure
This article appears in May 2016.