Delve into the annals of cocktail history with the enigmatic Artist’s Special Cocktail, a libation that whispers of Parisian nights and artistic revelry. Discovered in the iconic Artists’ bar on rue Pigalle, Paris, as chronicled in Harry MacElhone’s 1927 book “Barflies and Cocktails,” this recipe captures the spirit of a bygone era. Like a portal to the past, this cocktail resurfaces through the skilled hands of the Bramble team in Edinburgh, a modern source that breathes new life into an age-old creation.
Crafted with the harmonious fusion of blended whisky and dry oloroso sherry, accentuated by the zest of lemon juice and the allure of homemade grenadine, the Artist’s Special Cocktail is a testament to the art of flavor composition. With each sip, you’re transported to the bohemian ambiance of the Parisian Artists’ bar, where creativity and libation converged to inspire the soul.
As you embrace the journey of taste and history, the Artist’s Special Cocktail invites you to experience the marriage of tradition and innovation, where an age-old recipe finds new expression through the eyes of modern mixologists.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 fl oz/25ml blended whisky
- 1 fl oz/25ml dry oloroso sherry
- 2 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp homemade grenadine (see page 288)
- Ice cubes
PREPARATIONS:
- In a mixing glass, combine the blended whisky, dry oloroso sherry, lemon juice, and homemade grenadine.
- Add ice cubes to the mixing glass.
- Stir the mixture gently to achieve the desired chill and integration of flavors.
SERVING:
- Strain the Artist’s Special Cocktail into a martini glass or coupe, embodying the timeless elegance of classic cocktails.
TIPS:
- Experiment with different varieties of blended whisky to tailor the cocktail’s flavor profile.
- Craft your own homemade grenadine for an authentic and richly flavored addition to the cocktail.
YIELD:
- One Artist’s Special Cocktail.
The Artist’s Special Cocktail is a canvas of flavors, a tribute to artistic creativity, and a celebration of cocktail culture through the ages. Rediscovered from the storied Artists’ bar on rue Pigalle, Paris, and chronicled in Harry MacElhone’s classic work, this libation finds new life through the innovation of the Bramble team in Edinburgh.
The cocktail embodies the seamless fusion of blended whisky and dry oloroso sherry, harmoniously complemented by the brightness of lemon juice and the alluring depth of homemade grenadine. Each ingredient tells a story, contributing to a symphony of flavors that dance gracefully on your palate.
As you raise your glass to the Artist’s Special Cocktail, you’re raising a toast to the confluence of artistry and mixology, to the history that shapes cocktail culture, and to the modern reinterpretations that breathe new life into old recipes.
Whether you’re drawn to the allure of vintage cocktails or captivated by the ingenuity of modern mixologists, each sip of the Artist’s Special is an invitation to celebrate the union of flavors and history.
In conclusion, the Artist’s Special Cocktail is a tribute to the legacy of Parisian artistic hubs, a celebration of timeless recipes, and a reminder that every cocktail is a masterpiece waiting to be savored. So, whether you find yourself amidst the bohemian charm of a historic bar or in the comfort of your own haven, let the Artist’s Special Cocktail be your companion on a journey of flavor, inspiration, and imagination.
