Leap Year Cocktail
Celebrate Leap Day with a Leap Year Cocktail!
Yes, there’s actually a drink honoring Leap Year! Actually, there’s a drink for just about everything. This one dates back to 1928, when it was created at the Savoy in London by bartender, Harry Craddock. I first happened upon it—whilst contemplating a suitable drink for this special day—in my trusty Mr. Boston’s de Luxe Official Bartender’s Guide (1964 edition). The guide calls for orange-flavored gin, which I’ve never heard of nor seen; most contemporary recipes call for Grand Marnier.
Looks like a Manhattan (see photo), doesn’t it? Though similar in texture, it is, perhaps, a more flavorful drink. Sweet with hints of citrus. An excellent signature drink for 2012 and, of course, today!
What you’ll need: Gin, Grand Marnier, Sweet Vermouth & Lemon Juice
Pour 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of Grand Marnier, 1/2 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 1/4 ounce of lemon juice into a shaker over cracked ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.
How I like it: I used a shade more lemon juice than the recipe above. I also went with the more contemporary, larger portions of today, and used 2 ounces of gin. Earlier recipes only use 1 1/4 ounces. And of course, as always, I used my preferred brand of gin: Bombay Sapphire.
Splurge with a couple of these on this extra day, but drink responsibly!
What are your thoughts?