Mix your own Classic Cocktails

Dressed in our best Mad Men attire, Ms. Gloria and I (along with a few great urbanebloc readers) attended the LCBO’s Classic Cocktails event at the Carlu last Thursday. The party buzzed around a display of magnificent Mad Men costumes and we happily munched on some amazing hors d’oeuvres while we mingled. (Seriously, who could resist those amazing fried ham-and-cheese sandwiches served with strawberry jam? Not I.)

But the night’s real showstoppers were the cocktails, amazing creations inspired by famous drinks of the 1960s. Though a little too strong for my lightweight tastes (insert your snide remarks here), these classic cocktails are perfect for your own sixties inspired fete. Or, y’know, just a Saturday night at home. We don’t judge.

Here are some of our favourite recipes:

The Manhattan:
1 + ¼ oz Crown Royal
¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
2 – 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Maraschino cherry
Stir the liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.

Sidecar:
Lemon wedge
Super-fine sugar
1 + ½ oz Cognac (or Brandy)
¾ oz of Orange Liqueur
¾ oz fresh lemon juice

Lemon twist
Rub the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with lemon wedge and rim with sugar. Shake liquid ingredients with ice. Strain into prepared cocktail glass. Twist the lemon peel over drink and drop it in.

Tequila Sunrise:
1 + ½ oz Blanco Tequila (we suggest el Jimador Blanco Tequila)
½ oz Berry Liqueur or grenadine
Squeeze of lime
4 or 5 oz of orange juice
Maraschino cherry, orange slice

Make like Don Draper and stock up on some cocktail staples at your nearest LCBO. Be sure to check out the Classic Cocktails site for more inspiration. Happy mixing!