THE MODERN GENTLEMAN: A Gentleman’s Guide to Cocktails

Making an expertly blended cocktail is always in fashion. Whether you are entertaining a small group at home or making a drink to relax after a long day, a gentleman should always know how to make a proper cocktail! When entertaining close friends, it is good to know their choice of beverage and always have it available to them. (Some of our friends have been known to keep a bottle of their favorite wine or Bourbon at our house to drink when they visit.) One thing you will notice is that none of the below suggested cocktails contain Bourbon. Albeit a cardinal sin not to include Bourbon in a cocktail in Kentucky, I offer you a departure from the expected and give you something a little more unexpected as we explore outside the cask. Here are three cocktails every gentleman should have in his repertoire. by Jonathan Klunk

The Clean Dirty Martini

James Bond did not invent the martini - but he certainly made it famous. In Casino Royale, Bond orders a Verper Martini with exact instructions: “Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it is ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel.” The Vesper Martini is certainly an acceptable drink. But I offer you a slight variation on the classic; Earnest Hemingway’s drink of choice and the one the Ritz claims to be “The Best Martini in the World!” - the Clean Dirty Martini. Served exclusively at the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris, the Clean Dirty Martini has a recipe that is closely guarded and never discussed, just like Colonel Sanders’ recipe. However, even though we do not have the exact recipe, we do know their secret - a large cube of frozen olive juice that slowly melts in the clear liquid of vodka and vermouth, releasing olive flavor bit by bit. Very clever and never overpowering. To make a Clean Dirty Martini, combine 3 parts of vodka with one-part dry vermouth. Shake or stir well, and strain into a martini glass. Add a large cube of frozen olive juice and garnish with two Spanish Manzanilla olives on a toothpick. There is debate over whether the martini should be shaken or stirred. The correct answer is always a matter of preference. What your guest prefers is what your guest shall have. Stirring a drink is much less aggressive than shaking, and the result is similar. My preference is to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Bond… "shaken, not stirred."

The Negroni

A classic Italian aperitif designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal, and identified by its bright red hue and slightly bitter flavor, the Negroni is an international cocktail favorite. This delicious beverage is simple to make and easy to enjoy. Crafted from only three ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth, and Campari Bitters, as well as an orange slice or peel to garnish. To make, combine equal parts of all ingredients over ice and stir until chilled. You can make individual Negronis in the glass in which it will be served, or you can make a larger batch in a mixing glass and strain into cocktail glasses filled with ice. And never, never forget the orange. This is a critical component. If you prefer a bitter taste, add a touch more Campari. For a smooth finish, add a dash more of gin. Be sure to use a quality gin and vermouth for the best, authentic flavor.

The Gimlet

The Gimlet is another gin cocktail that is both refreshing and simple. It also has the gift of being unexpected. When you offer someone a Gimlet, you may find they are pleasantly surprised and impressed with your taste and cocktail-making abilities. The Gimlet is comprised of three common ingredients: Gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Simply combine 5 parts Gin, 1 part lime juice, and 1-part simple syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake until well blended, chilled, and slightly frothy. Then strain into a champagne coup or rocks glass. Crafting a cocktail may be intimidating at first, but rest assured, it is easier than you might think. Try making the drinks outlined in this article and see how your guests respond. I believe they will think you are entertaining just like a true gentleman should.