The Classics Are Back!

During these uncertain recession times, people are returning to the classics. I have seen such a resurgence of classic cocktails and homemade comfort foods . Campbell's Soups even has ads that claim their canned soups were the "Original Dollar Menu." A lot of these classic cocktails I see come from the Prohibition and Great Depression eras. These so called "Heritage Cocktails" are popping up on many bar and restaurant menus all over the country. Classics like the Manhattan, Sidecar, Singapore Sling, Vesper Martini and the Old Fashioned are warming up our burdened times. These vintage cocktails have heavy darker flavors than the light fruity flavors that were so popular such a short time ago. Think Bourbons, Cognacs, Blackberries and Honey are HOT and Pomegranate and Papaya are NOT. People need more bang for their buck these days so they may be skipping the trendy hotspots and drinking at home. However, most of the top alcohol companies are expected to increase annual profit growth this year, some even in the double digits. This means that people are not going to stop consuming but will experiment when they order drinks out as well as in their own kitchens. So next time you are feeling nostalgic try one of these options that would make your Grandparents and Great Grandparents proud!

Sidecar

• 2 oz Cognac
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz Lemon Juice

Fill shaker half full with ice, combine all ingredients and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass.

Manhattan

• 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 1/2 oz of Bourbon
• 1 dash of Angostura Bitters
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 1 twist of orange peel

Combine the vermouth, bourbon, bitters and ice in a mixing glass. Stir gently, don't bruise the spirits and cloud the drink. Place the cherry in a chilled cocktail glass and strain the whiskey mixture over the cherry. Rub the cut edge of the orange peel over the rim of the glass and twist it over the drink to release the oils but don't drop it in.

Old Fashioned

• 2 oz Blended Whiskey
• 1 cube sugar
• 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
• 1 tsp of water
• 1 slice of orange
• 1 maraschino cherry

Muddle the orange, sugar, bitters and water in an old-fashioned glass until the sugar is almost dissolved. Fill the glass with ice and add blended whiskey. Garnish with a marachino cherry. Serve with a swizzle stick.