Suddenly, Summer Again

May 10, 2011|Wally the Bartender | Something From the Bar

In celebration of the welcome return of a habitable climate, here are a few weather-appropriate drinks originally designed to be enjoyed "while the sun shines." In other words, day-time drinks extraordinaire.

To begin with, I know some of us look down on the enjoyment of cocktails before the sun is past the yardarm, but be not afraid. The daytime cocktail is another dimension altogether in the art of the craft. Especially those from the golden age of cocktails, the 1880s.

For a number of reasons – such as the technology to make ice abundant to the common folk, the availability of fresh fruit juices and the refinement of quality-made liquors – the 1880s gave us the basis for the cocktail culture that would live on for generations, only to be all but killed by vodka in the last 30 years.

But that's a story for another day, and this beautiful day should be enjoyed with a great daytime libation. Here are a couple to get you going in the right direction.

First, from 1880s New England, the Narragansett Cooler: An ounce and a half of Bourbon, three ounces of good quality orange juice, and an ounce and a half of ginger ale. In a tall highball glass full of ice, this is one of the finest drinks to be had on a nice sunny mid-morning on the golf course, or at lunch at an outdoor cafe.

Another east-coast cutie is the Horse's Neck. This is done in the same glass as the Narragansett Cooler, with an ounce and a half of Rye Whiskey, a good dash of bitters and ginger ale. Finish it off with a lemon twist and you have a very easy-to-make, yet engaging drink you'll tell everyone you know about.

Of course, when enjoying cocktails in the daytime, keep an eye toward the evening and go very slowly. Remember you have the rest of the day and night ahead of you, so moderation is everything. But by all means enjoy these wonderful drinks that were invented to be enjoyed under the midday sun.

Cheers!

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