The Germans and Austrians have their Radler, the French their Panaché, the Spanish have their la Clara, the Mexicans their Cerveza preparada and the Brits their Shandy. Beer and lemonade (ginger beer, grenadine etc.) in its many iterations is perfect this time of year. A perfect match when it is hot outside and you want something to cool you down and satisfy your taste buds without completely knocking you out while you work grill in the sizzle and haze.
My favorite “origins” story is the birth of Radler (Cyclist), attributed to Franz Xaver Kugler, a Bavarian railroad worker turned innkeeper who opened a tavern, toward the end of the nineteenth century, in Deisenhofen up in the mountains near Munich. When, after World War I, bicycle riding became a popular pastime in Germany, Kugler arranged for the construction of a bike trail through the forest, from Munich straight to his establishment only to find himself overrun in June 1922 by some 13,000 cyclists demanding beer. Having almost depleted his stock of brew, Kugler had to “cut” the beer with lemon soda to make due. He presented it to his thirsty customers as a special concoction he had invented to ensure that they made it safely back down the mountain riding their bicycles. Thus was born the Radler.
One mixture that few people have heard of is combining Peroni and Gazzosa (Italian lemon soda). You will find that the light bitterness of the Peroni mixes well with the lemon soda. In Italy it has become harder to find places that serve this summer refreshment, but if you find a bar tender who knows his stuff ask for a Panacea. I think the name says it all. Sit back, wipe your brow and enjoy.
There is nothing quite like a Martini at The Carlyle in New York. The drink itself is quite fabulous, but the pomp and circumstance (or lack thereof) is really what makes me go back from time to time and treat myself.
I am partial to the most classic Dry Martini with a twist (the olive is a distant second for me). You see unlike its rather bland bastard brother the Vodka (or Dirty) Martini, the Dry Martini allows you to try a vast range of variations thanks in no small part to the many variations of Gin. A Hendrick’s or a Plymouth will leave you with two very unique experiences within the same drink. The other two ingredients, Dry Vermouth and a lemon twist are like confectionary powder used as a dusting on a cake – never abused. Ian Fleming felt that both Gin and Vodka should be used and that using violence to mix the drink added more character to his secret agent and so he insisted his should be shaken, but, although, there is something very theatrical about a cocktail shaker, stirred would be my preference.
There are many variations, but as is often the case I feel that the most classic recipe is the one that keeps me coming back for more.
At The Carlyle you get a piano man, the darkened room, close quarters and the rest of your Martini in an iced mini-carafe for you to occasionally refer to as the conversation wears on and the cocktail glass empties.
My favorite “origins” story is the birth of Radler (Cyclist), attributed to Franz Xaver Kugler, a Bavarian railroad worker turned innkeeper who opened a tavern, toward the end of the nineteenth century, in Deisenhofen up in the mountains near Munich. When, after World War I, bicycle riding became a popular pastime in Germany, Kugler arranged for the construction of a bike trail through the forest, from Munich straight to his establishment only to find himself overrun in June 1922 by some 13,000 cyclists demanding beer. Having almost depleted his stock of brew, Kugler had to “cut” the beer with lemon soda to make due. He presented it to his thirsty customers as a special concoction he had invented to ensure that they made it safely back down the mountain riding their bicycles. Thus was born the Radler.
One mixture that few people have heard of is combining Peroni and Gazzosa (Italian lemon soda). You will find that the light bitterness of the Peroni mixes well with the lemon soda. In Italy it has become harder to find places that serve this summer refreshment, but if you find a bar tender who knows his stuff ask for a Panacea. I think the name says it all. Sit back, wipe your brow and enjoy.
