Absinthe (makes the heart grow fonder?)
A Lagniappe edition, and how apropos. We could use a strong drink about now.
I just finished the novel A Gentleman in Moscow, feeling like I’ve revisited my days as a college English major, reading the classics. But Amor Towles’ novel isn’t one – yet.
I loved the segment where the delightful main character, Count Rostov, requests some absinthe at his hotel’s bar. And, of course, that made me think of Louisiana and Sazeracs. And, if you’ve read the book, you’ll know why I’m craving a fennel and clam bouillabaisse.
You might want to sip a Sazerac and watch 1942’s Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman before reading the novel. And then, just as you’ve finished reading the next-to-last chapter – fix yourself another Sazerac, curl up (maybe by a fire, as long as it’s in a fireplace), and, sipping your Sazerac, read “Afterword,” the final chapter. It’s a marvelous ending.
Perhaps you should start your evening with Sondra Bernstein’s delicious and simple Pernod-scented Mussels recipe – similar to the Count’s bouillabaisse. Better yet, come to Sonoma (if you aren’t already here), and enjoy the dish at Sondra’s restaurant, the girl & the fig.
“Keep Sonoma Strong.”
Sazerac
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp absinthe
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters (or use angostura bitters)
- 1 1/2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 jumbo ice cube
- a 2″ long lemon peel
Put the absinthe into an old-fashioned glass and swirl to coat the glass, then discard the absinthe (or use the remaining to swirl in a 2nd glass).
Add the ice cube, simple syrup and the bitters and rye whiskey to the absinthe-coated glass and stir until mixture is well chilled.
Rub the lemon peel around the rim of the glass and then twist it and drop it into the cocktail. Serve.
