The holidays are in full swing, and so are the parties. If you're tasked with supplying drinks for one of these gatherings, or you want to bypass a covered dish and be the real MVP of the party, I'm here to help.
I gave away one gem with my cranberry sangria a few weeks ago, and the pitcher drink makes life easier when you're entertaining. To make it more seasonal, throw in a sprig of rosemary as a garnish. It won't change the flavor much, but the aroma you get with every sip will put you in the spirit.
But that's old stuff, let's talk new.
For times where there's a larger crowd involved, you'll have different alcohol preferences. With this life hack, though, it's not an issue. The beauty of this week's featured cocktails is we're only changing one ingredient: the main booze. Otherwise, each drink's sidekicks are Campari and sweet vermouth.
The Boulevardier calls for rye whiskey, gin is in the Negroni, and the Man About Town is made with rum. Delicious, memorable and not overplayed, the triad will please your friends and family no matter their proclivity. Enjoy!
Boulevardier
Makes 1
1 part rye whiskey or bourbon (I used Bulleit Rye, but Old Grand-Dad is also good)
1 part Campari
1 part sweet vermouth
Negroni
Makes 1
1 part gin (Bombay Sapphire is my preference)
1 part Campari
1 part sweet vermouth
Man About Town
Makes 1
1 part rum (I love Mount Gay Black Barrel. It's aged in bourbon barrels, so 'nuff said)
1 part Campari
1 part sweet vermouth
For every recipe, put a rocks glass in the freezer to chill while you mix. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in equal parts of your drink of choice (I add 1.5 ounces of each ingredient). Stir vigorously, then strain into chilled glass. Serve with no ice or one big cube and garnish with an orange peel.
Follow @cfasick on Twitter, or email him at [email protected] if there's a cocktail or recipe you'd like featured.
