Alabazam

This year is coming to a close and, like all years, I’m looking forward to turning the calendar. It’s not so much about making resolutions or expecting a magical reset button to appear. It’s more the symbolic transition of closing one chapter and starting a new one. I know the first quarter of this coming year will be pretty much status quo- more staying home and waiting for enough people to get vaccinated so we can put Covid behind us but I’m beginning to feel more hopeful. I’ve got a list of projects and a stack of books to help pass the time. Winter in the Pacific Northwest is not my favorite time of year because our weather leaves an awful lot to be desired. Most of us who live here spend much of the winter looking forward to spring.

2020 hasn’t been all bad. I’ve enjoyed spending time with my kids who are growing up faster than I’d like. I’ve got one more book to go and I’ll have read 52 books this year! And let’s not forget about the cocktails. 2020 is the year that cocktail hour returned. I stocked my bar and started this blog! I have always enjoyed cocktails but I feel like I’ve gained an education in the subject! Since March, one of the drinks I’ve been trying to figure out is the Sidecar. I’ve made it several times and have not landed on a recipe that’s felt worthy of sharing. It’s always a bit off- either too much citrus or too sweet. Tonight I was flipping through a new cocktail book, “Winter Drinks” by the editors of PUNCH and found a recipe for the Alabazam. Like a Sidecar, it’s made with cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup but it calls for 1/4 ounce of Angostura bitters which is the secret weapon! The bitters completely change the drink by bringing in some spice. It’s a lovely winter cocktail and I encourage you to try it if you’ve not been a fan of the Sidecar. The drink dates to 1878 and was created by Leo Engel back when bitters were used in medicinal tonics. My curiosity has been piqued by the role bitters play in our modern cocktails and wonder how other drinks might change if we add more? Something else to play with in the coming year! Looking forward to sharing more cocktails with you in 2021. In the meantime, please enjoy the Alabazam! Cheers!

Alabazam

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz cognac (I used Pierre Ferrand)

1/2 oz Cointreau

1/4 oz Angostura bitters

1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 oz simple syrup

Lemon twist, as garnish

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with lemon twist.