Drinks with Edgar

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -

Only this, and nothing more.'

'Poe' Cocktail Glasses by Artel

$422- available at Unica Home (search Poe)

Cocktails Anyone?

I've been on a quest to expand my tastes beyond just wine, beer and champagne. Where to start when you're the daughter of teetotalers?

Well, the beautiful Jill of Stella's Roar (A true must read. I insist) did this wonderful post about what a well stocked bar should contain. So I'm working towards that. I've also been keeping my eyes open for products that pique my interest and taste buds. I came across Square One Botanical.

It's not a flavored vodka and not a gin. It's an organic rye spirit, that like a gin, gets a kick from organic botanicals. It is infused with eight- pear, rose, chamomile, lemon verbena, lavender, rosemary, coriander and citrus peel for an experience that is softer than gin. Sounds good doesn't it?

Square One's website provides about 20 different cocktail recipes. Each one sounds more delicious than the next.

Jill also recommended a great little book in her post The Bartender's Bible: 1001 Mixed Drinks and Everything You Need to Know to Set Up Your Bar. It's only $6.99 at Amazon and really is an indispensable resource so why not grab one? My dad always said to do a proper job you need the proper tools. Come to think of it he probably just said that in order to excuse all those Craftsman purchases at Sears but whatever. Go on and get the book anyways.

Cin, Cin!

Smitten...

Last night my better half and I had the pleasure of joining our neighbors for an informal get together. Our lovely hostess served us a divine cocktail that I am compelled to share with you.

St-Germain, the first liqueur in the world created in the artisanal French manner from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms. The art deco bottle is nothing short of stunning.

AND WHAT OF THE TASTE of St-Germain?

"It has been said that Paris is a mélange curieux, a curious mixture of flavors, styles and influences.
So it is with St-Germain.
Neither peach nor pear, lychee nor citrus, the sublime taste of St-Germain hints at each of these and yet none of them exactly. It is a flavor as subtle and delicate as it is captivating. A little like asking a hummingbird to describe the flavor of its favorite nectar. Trés curieux indeed, n'est-ce pas?"

2 shots Champagne* or dry white wine
1 1/2 shots St-Germain
2 shots sparkling water or club soda

Method: Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Think of Paris circa 1947. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Variation: Think of Sartre circa 1947. Be the lemon twist.

* Or Sparkling Wine or Prosecco

Much thanks to D&D for a wonderful evening!