History of the Cocktail

Did you know the cocktail is an American invention? It was officially invented in New York in 1808. The first cocktail recipe called for (sugar + water + bitters + spirits). Ironically, in that same year, the American Temperance Society was formed. Before it was over, the ATS had a huge influence on American culture, politics, and even the election of presidents. In many respects America has never fully recovered from the damage the ATS imposed...just look at how lobbyist and special interests control our entire political process today.

As I write my blog, I will pass along various cocktail recipes. You will be able to find them all on my website. Today's cocktail is named after the New Mexico state bird and is called the "Road Runner". Like our roadrunners darting in and around the high dessert brush, this gin based elixir is stealth and illusive, but goes a long way toward quenching an insatiable thirst.

Road Runner
4 oz - Don Quixote Gin
1 oz - dry vermouth
1 oz - Pernod (or other licorice or anise flavored liqueur)
2 tsp grenadine
cracked ice

Shake gin and other ingredients with cracked ice until chilled.
Recommend serving in a wine glass. Serves 2.

Pernod can be substituted with Spanish Ojen, Greek Ouzo, or French Ricard. These are all types of a liqueur called "pastis" which are best known for their thirst-quenching ability. Pernod was created by Henri Pernod in 1915 after Absinthe was outlawed. This liqueur is basically absinthe without wormwood and like absinthe, clouds up when mixed with water. After a hard day in the hot dry heat, this is just the companion for that relaxing period between early evening and sunset.