With the London Olympics right around the corner, I can only hope you’re beginning to plan what cocktails you will be drinking as you watch esteemed athletes (who probably haven’t had a cocktail in years) compete. I’m here to help by providing a few cocktails from Whiskey Blue at the W, Los Angeles to represent some of your fave countries of the Olympic games.
HYMN TO LIBERTY – GREECE:
1.5 oz Metaxa Greek Brandy
1 tablespoon fig jam
3 lemons
.50 oz honey
In tin, muddle lemons then add honey, jam, Metaxa and ice. Shake and strain in rocks glass. Top off with soda water and garnish with a dried fig
BROTHERS OF ITALY – ITALY:
oz Bombay Sapphire
1 oz Aperol
.50 oz Antica Vermouth
Orange bitters
Build cocktail in tin with ice. Shake and strain on rocks. Sprinkle with orange bitters and garnish with orange peel.
LA MARCHA REAL – SPAIN:
White or Red Wine
1 orange slice
1 lemon slice
3 oz Albarino (3 oz Rioja if Red)
1 oz apricot brandy
.50 oz simple syrup
Muddle fruit in tin. Add remaining ingredients with ice and roll into snifter.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN – UK:
1.5 oz Hendricks
3 lime wedges
3 cucumber slices
5-6 mint leaves
.75 simple syrup
Celery bitters
In tin, muddle lime, cucumber and mint with simple. Add ice and gin. Shake and strain into a highball. Top with celery bitters and garnish a slice of cucumber cut lengthwise.
