more Hendricks…
In a
previous thread I recommended the Spencer, my favorite holiday cocktail. I enjoyed a few over Thanksgiving weekend and offer this amendment for ratification:
Spencer Cocktail
1.5 oz. Hendrick's Gin
3/4 oz. Apricot Brandy (I used plain ol' Hiram Walker)
1 tsp.
fresh orange juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 twist of orange peel
Shake gin through bitters with chipped (or crushed) ice, strain into a chilled martini glass and top with the twist.
This version is delicious. The Hendrick's performed as advertised and the extra orange juice rounded it out nicely. For best flavor I found that mixing three at a time in a shaker about 2/3 full with
chipped ice is the ticket—then strain into
two martini glasses. I really think that the chipped ice helps make a better Spencer. It has greater surface area than cubes, which cools the drink faster and to a lower temp, and less surface area than crushed, which can make for a watery drink if the proportion isn't right. YMMV.
As my chem prof opined years ago,
"What you lack in brilliance you can make up through hard work." Solid advice. Just keep pouring and shaking until you get the "A," and drink 'em while they're cold!
Cheers.