It's a male misconception that, as a rule, women love sugary, pink drinks. Though we may gravitate toward pastels and desserts, it doesn't mean we don't also venture for Scotch or steaks. Then again, why shouldn't we have both? Though I'm probably not the most typical example of a female drinker, I can still appreciate a bubbly aperitif spritzer in the same table setting as a dram of after-dinner whiskey. In the same vein, let us not also forget men who wear pink (and pull it off) — and who are not too proud to get down with a well-made Cosmo (we know one or two). Forget skinny cocktails. Here's a guide to pleasing the lush in your life with something just for her — and, quite possibly, getting a little lushy yourself.
The Cosmo
No self-respecting man would ever publicly order a Cosmopolitan, right? Wrong. I was extremely lucky to have been educated in the world of cocktails by some of the greats, including King Cocktail himself, Dale DeGroff. More than once I've been witness to Mr. DeGroff sipping the '90s classic, which is a classic for a reason. Rule number one: use a properly sized cocktail glass. None of those crazy nine-ounce bowls. Rule number two: use good ingredients, including fresh juice, high-quality vodka, and premium orange liqueur.
Cosmopolitan
1 1/2 oz citrus vodka
3/4 oz Cointreau or Combier
1 oz cranberry juice
1/4 oz fresh lime juice
Orange peel flamed
Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel. Because what lady doesn't like a flamed orange peel?
The Sour
A gorgeously tart and floral cocktail, the Pink Panther is Yael Vengroff's cross between a pisco sour and a Clover Club. You can find Ms. Vengroff behind the bar at Painkiller and Maison Premiere in New York City, where she's known for making drinks quicker than most of the men.
Pink Panther
2 oz Capel Pisco
3/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz orgeat (Yael makes her own, but you don't have to)
3 raspberries
4 drops rosewater
1 egg white
In a mixing glass, muddle the raspberries and add all other ingredients. Dry shake. Add ice and shake again. Double strain into a cocktail glass.
The Spritz
Your mom probably drinks them while your grandmother dunks ice cubes into her red wine. But a spritz made well — that is, sans Franzia, plus some muddled fruit — is one you can happily swill at business lunches or afternoons on the lawn.
Aperol Spritz
Strawberries or raspberries
1 1/2 oz Aperol
2 oz Prosecco
Sparkling water
Orange peel
In a wine glass, muddle several berries and add ice. Add Aperol and Prosecco. Top with a splash of sparkling water, stir gently, and garnish with an orange peel.
The Dark Horse
A little spicy, slightly weird, and just the right amount of candied, this cocktail from Audrey Saunders, the owner of New York City's Pegu Club, is perfect for the woman in your life who is not like other women in your life.
Little Italy
2 oz rye whiskey
1/2 oz Cynar (a bitter artichoke spirit)
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
Luxardo cherries
Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a couple of skewered Luxardo cherries. Replenish her cherries as she eats them. I promise, she'll appreciate it.
Source: www.esquire.com
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