Monday, June 30, 2008

A cocktail classic re(de)fined!


Just so you know, there's been a ton of stuff going on in my world that has precluded regular posting. Sometimes things come out at you out of the blue that leave you spinning. Or at the very least in need a nice refreshing adult beverage! Which is why today's post is very applicable to current situation, and has been a huge help in getting my feet grounded and my mind adjusted.

The sidecar is one of the old school classics of cocktail culture. Traditionally a mix of brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice. Sweet and tart, the two things that go great together, in one lovely drink. Lately w and I have been enjoying our own take on this standby, owing to her dislike of regular brandy and my continuing infatuation with my Meyer lemon tree. We've dumped the regular brandy in favor of Clear Creek Distillery's Pear Brandy and are using the slightly sweeter yet still sour Meyer lemons instead of the standard citrus. Relaxing, refreshing, rejuvenating. The three R's for right thinking adults!!
*** *** ***
Pear Brandy and Meyer Lemon Sidecar

ingredients:
1 oz Clear Creek Pear Brandy (or other good brand)
3/4 oz Cointreau
3/4 oz fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice
Small amount superfine sugar spread on salad plate

method:
After squeezing Meyer lemon juice, run the rind around the rim of your favorite martini glass. Dip rim of glass in superfine sugar and slowly spin to coat. Set aside. Fill cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add brandy, Cointreau, and lime juice. Shake vigorously. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with lemon twist or circle. Sip, enjoy!

2 comments:

Abcdpdx said...

ooh, this makes me want to get our tiny meyer lemon sapling into a big container so it can start growing!!!

bb said...

And you'll be SO happy you did! Good luck!!