If you want something a little different and very refreshing on a warm summer evening, and that goes GREAT with a cigar, try the Gin Pahit that originated with the British during their time in Java, India, and other regions eastward. Simply put 4-5 dashes of Angostura bitters into a martini glass. Twirl the glass between thumb and forefinger to coat the inside, then let excess drip off back into the bottle or other repository. Fill your glass with gin (which hopefully you've kept cold in the freezer), and add a twist of lemon peel if you like. Super quick and simple to make!! I've been enjoying these nightly in the So. Cal. heat, and the subtle spiciness of the drink goes fantastically with a cigar. It's well worth a try! Keep cool!

Sounds intriguing. I have some Bombay Saphire I'm gonna throw in the freezer. Does this work W/Vodka?

A drink I found in the tropics of Mexico is called a Campechana. You get a tall glass,fill W/good ice,add a small shot of brandy,a small wedge of lime,fill almost to the top W/club soda,then top off W/Coke. Delish and refreshing in the summer heat and not too much alcohol. X

I'd love to try either one. But my wife has my nads in a glass jar in her dresser... She doesn't like me to drink the hard stuff. I get beer and like it, once a week...

Sometimes...not even that! Eh, Robby?

I'm booooozin it up right now....Hehe!...Giants vs Diamondbacks baby!....wooooohooooo!!!....CAO ANNI!!....JD!!....yea!!.... :>)

Mag

Hey X,

By all means, give vodka a try. Should be very nice, although a little less piquant without the gin. Still, I'm sure it will be refreshing and will take on that wonderful touch of spice from the bitters. Just make sure you have a cigar to go with it! 🙂 I got this recipe out of that wonderful old book of drinks, The Gentleman's Companion (published 1946, I believe). If you can find an old copy of this on eBay or a used bookstore, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. It has much lore, amusing narrative, and some wonderful drink recipes that are truly vintage. This particular gin recipe is wonderful on those hot evenings (I figure the Brits of the empire days ought to know something about this). Let me know how the vodka version is.

good post gerber. I'm going to look for that book!...:>)

Mag

Yo Robby,try a little dark rum,a bit of crushed mint leaves and FRESCA.Yeah thats right Fresca, it's kind of a zero carb Mojito.Not bad with tequila either!

JJ

Mag,

Just a little added info on The Gentleman's Companion--it's actually a 2-volume set, one dealing with food and the other with drinks. Often, the two books are sold together, but if you happen to find one for auction, just make sure it's the drinks volume. Actually the food volume is great, too! Basically, the books are the product of the author's years of globetrotting looking for the world's best food and drink. Very funny and entertaining read, and some great recipes to boot.