A vintage twist

by Jennifer Cox Jul 3, 2012 in Food & Drink | 0 comments

Photography by  Ashley Fraser

Summer weekends spent at the cottage are even sweeter when shared with friends over a few old-fashioned cocktails.

And what’s more fitting than a vintage-inspired spirit bar? Antique-styled urns full of spiked drinks, later garnished with mint and fruit, set the perfect tone for a grown-up afternoon in the sun. These drinks have been popular for decades, which gives a retro feel to your bar. So put out some highballs, stir sticks and striped straws across a picnic table and toast summer, Mad Men style.

 

Blood and Sand

This recipe is from the world’s first cocktail book, Jerry Thomas’ Bartending Guide (1887).

• 1 ounce (28 g) blended scotch
• 1 ounce (28 g) fresh orange juice
• 3/4 ounce (20 g) Cherry Heering liqueur
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Mix well. Garnish with cherries.

 

The Boulevardier

This prohibition-era drink is hot in Toronto.

• 1 1/2 ounces (45 g) bourbon
• 1 ounce (28 g) Campari
• 1 ounce (28 g) sweet vermouth

Instructions:

1. Stir well with ice in a mixing glass and strain.
2.  Garnish with a lemon twist

 

Brandy Smash

• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of super fine sugar
• 2 tablespoons (25 mL) of water
• 3 or 4 sprigs of tender mint
• 2 ounces (60 g) brandy

Instructions:

1. Press the mint in the sugar and water to
   extract the flavour, add the brandy, and fill the glass two-thirds full of shaved ice.
2. Stir thoroughly and garnish with a half-slice of orange, and a few fresh sprigs of mint.