Raise A Glass to Dad
Article by Ashley Hendel, @foodiesoffranklintn
Photography by Provided
Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle
A great celebration begins with the clinking of glasses and heartfelt cheers. Father’s Day is no exception. The men we celebrate are deserving of a special day to feel extra loved and appreciated. A classy cocktail served alongside good company and a hearty meal is just what this day calls for. In the words of David Wondrich, a foremost authority on cocktails, “A proper drink at the right time – one mixed with care and skill in the true spirit of hospitality – is better than any other made thing.”
Shaken? Stirred? On the rocks? Blended? However they like their drinks, the men in your life should only have the best for their Father’s Day cheers. Here are three cocktails that are sure to be winners.
OLD FASHIONED | A classic choice since the 1800’s and a favorite in the TV show “Mad Men.”
Stir and serve in a highball glass:
• 2 oz. Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
• 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
• Orange Peel and/or Luxardo Cherry Garnish
SAZERAC | Argued to be our country’s first cocktail with Civil War roots.
Stir and serve in a highball glass:
• 2 oz. Rye Whiskey
• 1/4 oz. Absinthe (or Anise Liqueur)
• 1 Sugar Cube
• 3 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
• Lemon Twist for Garnish
CLASSIC MARTINI | Made notably famous by none other than the iconic movie character James Bond.
Shake (or stir if preferred) and serve in a chilled martini glass:
• 4 oz. Vodka or Gin
• 3/4 oz. Dry Vermouth
• Garnish with a Lemon Peel or Olive(s)
Make it “Dirty”:
• 2 1/2 oz. Vodka or Gin
• 1/2 oz. Dry Vermouth
• 1/2 oz. Olive Brine
• Garnish with Olive(s)
If you want to up the mixologist game, use a smoke infuser and burn wood chips to enhance the taste of the Old Fashioned and Sazerac. For the Classic Martini, consider using specialty olives stuffed with blue cheese, garlic or peppers.
One day out of the year is simply not enough to express appreciation for all that fathers do day in and day out. They are a daughter’s first love and a boy’s first teammate. They are mentors and best friends. They work hard and love hard. And in good ole dad joke fashion, they’re the olive to our martini and mint to our mojito! To all the fathers and father figures out there, cheers to you! We hope you get to sit back, relax and enjoy a cocktail.