The word "mocktail" tends to bring about an involuntary shudder. Hey guys, don't worry about not drinking - you can enjoy a syrupy, grenadine filled, sugary mess. Still, TOH and I enjoy cocktail hour - we play a bit of backgammon, read, put something on the record player, and enjoy whatever we've learned to make recently. Of late, it's been a Sazerac, a decidedly alcoholic beverage off limits for February.
My wariness was mislaid, however, when it came to the Mellow Yellow from the ever reliable Tasting Table. Despite the unpromising name, it was tangy, refreshing, not at all sweet, and echoed the complexity one gets with a well made cocktail. And its tastiness was worth the reward of going through ones usual cocktail rituals - our beautiful, boxy red coupe glasses chilled in the freezer, the cocktail thoroughly shaken in an art deco inspired cocktail shaker.
Of course, conversation led to which spirit would go best in the drink. I thought a bourbon, but TOH's suggestion of mezcal seemed even better. We'll let you know but, for now, this works beautifully.
My wariness was mislaid, however, when it came to the Mellow Yellow from the ever reliable Tasting Table. Despite the unpromising name, it was tangy, refreshing, not at all sweet, and echoed the complexity one gets with a well made cocktail. And its tastiness was worth the reward of going through ones usual cocktail rituals - our beautiful, boxy red coupe glasses chilled in the freezer, the cocktail thoroughly shaken in an art deco inspired cocktail shaker.
Of course, conversation led to which spirit would go best in the drink. I thought a bourbon, but TOH's suggestion of mezcal seemed even better. We'll let you know but, for now, this works beautifully.
