My recommended cocktail for the holiday season is a variation of the Boulevardier cocktail from Harry McElhone’s 1927 book Barflies and Cocktails. (Not this didn’t stop Nigella Lawson appearing to take credit for inventing the same in her recent Christmas TV special and renaming it the Kansas City Christmas).
My variation adds mulling syrup to give it a real Christmassy feel.
1. Take one and a half measures of bourbon, one measure of Campari, one measure of sweet (rosso) vermouth and half a measure of mulling syrup.
2. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Drink.
4. Repeat as necessary.
I think I’ll call it the Winter Jackson Special.
Thanks Simon. And here was me making my Winter Jackson Special with lemon peel and tears.
I did try making the Winter Jackson Special but I am afraid to say that it did not ignite the taste buds, however please find below a special Margarita recipe which I am sure if consumed correctly will help your readers envisage a land where Jackson doesn’t exist:-
Fresh Margaritas:
4tsp grated lime zest
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
4 tsp grated lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup superfine sugar
Pinch of salt
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup 100% agave tequila, preferably reposado
1 cup Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar and salt in
Large glass or ceramic container (the juice leeches plastic not
Pretty). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4-24 hours (at least
overnight in my opinion).
Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4-6 margarita or double old-fashioned
glasses. Strain juice mixture into pitcher. Add tequila, Cointreau
and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and
chilled. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.