Sunday, January 06, 2008

Thank heaven for life's little routines


Little routines, such as the civilized habit of stopping to enjoy a cocktail. Ideally, for us, this is a Sunday afternoon ritual; our busy 21st century lives being what they are, though, sometimes we have to settle for Sunday evening.

Tonight's cocktail is a classic, one of the few cocktails not invented in the United States. It originated post-WWI in Paris, which makes it even swankier.

The Sidecar

Some recipes call for a 1:1:1 ratio, but we prefer the "English School" of Sidecar, a 2:1:1 ratio of cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice

  • 1 shot of cognac (we use Meukow VS, a delightful inexpensive cognac, pronounced "moo-cow")
  • 1/2 shot of Cointreau or triple sec (we use Caravella orangecello originale)
  • 1/2 shot of lemon juice
  • Mix the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour into a cocktail glass full of ice. Serve with a lemon twist.
*Note--the picture above shows a rocks glass and not a delicate little cocktail glass. Sometimes presentation isn't as important as getting your drink on.

Now I must get back to the bar. MizBubs wore herself to a frazzle shopping for clothes for our youngest this afternoon, and she is requesting another Sidecar to revive her spirits.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Good night, sleep tight, and don't let Mitt Romney bite.


11 comments:

Dr. Monkey Von Monkerstein said...

I'll have one of those too if you're still making them.

Coaster Punchman said...

This is one of Melinda June's favorites. As an FYI, they can be had in Decorah, IA for a SONG!

Dino said...

mhhh i could so use one of these right about now

SkylersDad said...

Now theres a recipe post I can really get into!

Erik Donald France said...

Ah, so civilized. But for a month of such Sundays . . .

Writeprocrastinator said...

Ooooh, he went old school. Way to go, man, you've made F. Scott proud!

The Bubses are different from you and me... ; )

Joe said...

WP, hah! Yes, I'd like to think MizBubs and I are like the Zelda and F. Scott of our times, just without the talent, jealousy, madness, or alcoholism.

Erik, it would be peaceful.

Skylersdad, thanks!

Dino, they are delicious. And the citrus helps fight off the scurvy!

CP, I'll make sure and have plenty of cognac and Caravella if Melinda comes to visit. And that's useful information about Decorah, as well. I may go canoeing near there this summer.

Dr MVM, you're entitled to one of the Compound's "bottomless drink" cups. Pick yours up at the door.

GETkristiLOVE said...

You know, I've never had a sidecar. I don't think I've ever had cognac. What's wrong with me?!

Anonymous said...

kristi - Neither have I had cognac that I remember. I've got much catching up to do. I don't think I'll be able to limit by drinking homework to Sunday afternoons.

That drink makes me want to put on gloves and a hat to sip it, Bubs. Fab!

Johnny Yen said...

Okay, I can't take it anymore-- email me one of those here too!

vikkitikkitavi said...

Yum, I love sidecars. I also love amaretto sours.

Now I really want one. Dang it!