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Comeback of the Classic Cocktail

Here in Mystic, we enjoy our cocktails… perhaps maybe a little too much. You often hear people joke, “we’re a drinking town with a boating problem.”

We take our libations seriously and enjoy a wide variety of the classics, especially those related to seafaring. Some of those nautical classic drinks include the Dark & Stormy, Sea Breeze, Salty Dog and, of course, anything with rum.

Beyond maritime-influenced cocktails there are the sometimes forgotten classics. There has been a recent resurgence in popular drinking culture of tried and true drinks…

A perfect example is the Old Fashioned, a tasty mix of Bourbon or Rye whiskey, bitters, sugar and water, garnished with an orange slice and cocktail cherry. The Old Fashioned was one of the earlier and simpler cocktails, first introduced in the late 19th century.

Bravo Bravo – Old Fashioned Recipe

  • 3 ounces whiskey

  • 4 dashes of bitters

  • 1 splash of simple syrup

  • Mix all ingredients in an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice

  • Garnish with an orange slice and Luxardo cherry

Around the same period came the Manhattan, made up of whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters and garnished with a cherry. The drink was supposedly created at The Manhattan Club in New York City for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother for presidential candidate, Samuel J. Tilden.

Bravo Bravo – Manhattan Recipe

  • 3 ounces Ritterhouse Rye

  • 1/2 ounce Cerasum

  • 1/2 ounce Cardamaro

  • Mix all ingredients in a glass with ice and stir well

  • Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with a Luxardo Cherry

The return of the classic cocktail doesn’t have to be basic. Many talented bartenders are adding their own unique twists to the old-time favorites. One of our favorite mixologists, Kevin Rogers, creates unique cocktails at Bravo Bravo in downtown Mystic, adding his own creative touch. We asked Kevin what has recently inspired him…

“With spring around the corner and the vaccine becoming widely available, people are excited to get out and safely socialize more. We’re entering the roaring 20’s… 2021. It’s the next renaissance. A time for classic fun. And what’s more fun than featuring classic cocktails from 1920’s and earlier?”

Classic cocktails can be made with the basic alcohol ingredients but we prefer to use higher grade and premium spirits.  They provide that extra flavor and satisfaction in a well-made drink. Our friends at Reserve Bar have been delivering the best of premium, reserve spirits, wine and champagne. Their online experience is a great way to view, research, converse with experts and have top shelf ingredients delivered to your doorstep.

You can also check out their online “Cocktail Lounge” to learn about spirits, view great cocktail ideas and chat with others who enjoy fine drinks.

There are some great accessories for mixing and serving your favorite classics:

If you are visiting downtown Mystic, be sure to visit Bravo Bravo for their spectacular food and creative classics.  Tell Kevin I sent you…!

 

 

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