March 21, 2012

What I’m Drinking: Refroidisseur de Mardi

I’ve been embracing the simple life lately (outside of the whole, “I have a million books and comics I’ll never get rid of”). Or, at least, a simpler cocktailing way of life. Not that I don’t still like the wacky, molecular, multi-flavored bitters, and obscurity driven ingredients list drinks that have started to dominate bar menus. If someone else is making it, I’ll try about anything, really. But at home, lately, I’ve been scaling it back. Partially because my daylight hours are often spent at a job that’s on the far far side of busy. But also just because it’s good to distill flavors, instead of trying to overlayer them (if that makes sense). So, some easiness without sacficing any taste. To demonstrate, the Refroidisseur de Mardi: a super simple number, but also one that’s super refreshing, and super in its ability to allow a couple ingredients to shine. It takes advantage of the newish Perrier Lemon sparkling water (full disclosure: I recently came home to a box of Perrier on my front porch) and the oldish gin. And not much more. Both wife Nat and I have been relaxing with these after long days at the office, while watching Perry Mason, and absolutely loving them. I strongly suggest, if you want to simplify, you do the same.

Ice cubes

1-1/2 ounces gin (Voyager is what we’ve used, but any London style gin will shine)

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Chilled Perrier Lemon

Lemon wheel, for garnish

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice cubes. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well.

2. Fill a highball or comparable glass three-quarters up with ice cubes. Strain the mix into the glass over the ice.

3. Top the glass with Perrier, and stir carefully, bringing everything together. Garnish with the lemon wheel.

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