Page 105 - 914INC - Q2 - 2013

HAPPY HOUR
Text by Jeanne Muchnick Photography by Doug Schneider
Gin and Bear It
Blame it on the popularity of Mad Men, with its three-Martini Glunches, or Boardwalk Empire, with its bootleg bottles—whatever
Gin—that slightly syrupy juniper-flavored spirit, especially popular in Great Britain— has fallen in and out of favor over the years, and until recently was consigned largely to the list of “Your Grandfather’s Liquors.” But with the Mad Men-inspired revival of the classic cocktail and a host of new artisanal producers upping the herb and fruit factor, gin has become cool again. We asked sommeliers, bartenders, and other local members of the gintelligentsia about what brands they use, what drinks they make, and—most important—how we can enjoy them.
Nick Mautone
OWNER, RACANELLI’S NEW YORK ITALIAN/COCKTAIL BOOK AUTHOR
Favorite Gin: Brooklyn Gin Why: “It’s only 80 proof, so it
the reason, this versatile spirit is back in vogue.
has less alcoholic heat com-
pared to other gins. The extra
citrus in the blend really allows for great mixability.”
Buy for Home: $44.99, 750 ml;
Westchester Wine Warehouse, 53
Tarrytown Rd, White Plains (914) 824-1400; westchesterwine.com.
Enjoy at Restaurant: The Bronx Cocktail,
a classic cocktail that’s been adapted to
the restaurant’s specifications. “Composed
of Brooklyn Gin, Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth and Sweet Vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of lavender bitters, it makes for a great aperitif, and really helps open the pal- ate before dinner.”
Drink Up: $10; 851 Central Ave, Scarsdale (914) 472-1032; racanellisnewyorkitalian.com.
Gretchen Thomas
WINE AND SPIRITS DIRECTOR,
BARTACO
Favorite Gin: Martin Miller’s Gin Why: “London dry gins are
famous for being more ‘pine-
needley,’ but this one has more
spice and citrus.”
Buy for Home: $35.99, 1 liter; Zachys Wine & Liquor, 16 E Parkway, Scarsdale
(866) 922-4971; zachys.com.
Racanelli’s Bronx Cocktail
Enjoy at Restaurant: Port Chester Reviver. “Our staff likes to joke that it’s like a salad in a cocktail—fruity, fresh, zippy, and nour- ishing. That’s how the name ‘reviver’ got
in there, which is a classic moniker for a cocktail that awakens the senses. The gin adds a little extra herbaceous note to balance the sweetness of the mango and mint. It’s a great drink for non-gin drinkers, because the alcoholic flavors are in the background and don’t stand out as the main feature, like in a gin and tonic or a gin Martini.”
Drink Up: $9; 1 Willett Ave, Port Chester (914) 937-8226; bartaco.com.
Joseph Polizzi
SOMMELIER, BLT STEAK Favorite Gin: Plymouth Gin Why: “Plymouth is a clear, slightly fruity, full-bodied gin
that is very aromatic. It also has a great history. First made in 1793,
Plymouth Gin is a grand old institution in Britain. Churchill soaked it up, as does the Royal Navy. To this day, Plymouth makes its gin on an ancient site, a 16th-century Dominican Friary where Miles Standish and the Pilgrims stayed the night before they set out for America.”
Buy for Home: $39.99, 1 liter;
My Sherry & more, Inc., 1245 Pleasantville Rd, Briarcliff Manor (914) 941-1536; mysherryandmore.com.
Enjoy at Restaurant: The Classic Negroni, made with Campari, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, and gin. “The flavors of a Negroni are very complex and an acquired taste. The combination of these ingredients makes for a well-balanced cocktail; all three have various citrus flavors that complement each other nicely. Once you get used to Campari’s bitter edge, it’s a very delicious cocktail.”
Drink Up: $15; 221 Main St (in The Ritz- Carlton, Westchester), White Plains (914) 467- 5500; bltsteak.com.
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