I recently graduated from the esteemed BarSmarts program, in part sponsored by Pernod-Ricard USA. In doing such I have been on a mission to find drinks that are to my liking, and this drink here is right up my alley. A very classic simple cocktail and still a complexity that leaves you admiring each sip more and more. If you like a crisp, citrus forward tangy treat this drink is right up your alley, and if you cant make it at home, don't be afraid to ask for it at most bars, they may not know how to make it, but it is almost guaranteed they do have all the ingredients, so with a smile and a little coaching, you can probably get any bartender to make this for you. Start by chilling a cocktail glass, set that aside and assemble the following ingredients in a shaker;

3/4 ounce Cointreau

3/4 ounce Lillet blanc

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

2 dashes absinthe, Herbsaint or other pastis.

Combine in a shaker with cracked ice; shake and strain into your chilled glass and garnish with a stemless cherry, if your bartender cant make this, turn around and walk out the door, they shouldn't be behind the bar and your not going to enjoy your drinks.

A former employer of mine, Clif Travers and I came up with a rendition which we dubbed "The Corpse Surviver", this cocktail, is a little more brash, still, smooth and warming, especially in these winter months, 

The Corpse Surviver

1 ounce Rye Whiskey

1 ounce Lillet Rouge

1 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce Cherry Herring

2 dashes absinthe, Herbsaint or other pastis.

Combine in a shaker with cracked ice; shake and strain into your chilled glass and garnish with a brandied cherry. Also a terrific cocktail... especially if your a whiskey drinker.

CH