Cocktails for Her

This week Wine Supervisor and resident Mixologist David Rudd showcases cocktails that, in his experience, are favorites of the better half of our species.

“Ladies!  All the ladies!  Help me out, louder now…Come on, all the ladies!  Let’s talk about…” cocktails?!?  Today I endeavor to discuss something in which I can only claim “auxiliary” experience.  Let’s face it, I’m not a lady – much.  But, I have served many ladies in my career as a bartender and self-proclaimed cocktail and spirits expert.  I have noticed some trends in the preferences of ladies with discerning taste.  I believe it’s high time that we address this situation and squash some misconceptions while offering some excellent recommendations that will both satisfy and amuse that lady in your life.

Whether you are a lady or you know one that deserves to be impressed – this one’s for you…. (ladies, if you’re reading this, please go easy on me – feel free to offer corrections and clarifications…we both know you will).

Here are some rules to go by: 

Number 1
Ladies don’t ONLY like pink, sweet drinks in a martini glass.  While they may sometimes enjoy that kind of thing, it isn’t the ONLY kind of drink they prefer.  At times they might choose something of another color or in another glass and it might not even be sweet. 

Little Italy
2 oz. rye whiskey (Whistle Pig™ is a good choice)
½ oz. Cynar
¾ oz. sweet vermouth
Luxardo cherries

In an iced cocktail shaker, stir the ingredients together and strain into a coupe.  Garnish with a few skewered cherries.  Replenish the cherries as she eats them.  I guarantee, she’ll appreciate it.

Number 2
Now then, about those pink drinks…she DOES enjoy a good pink drink now and then, and it doesn’t have to be a Cosmopolitan (though she does love the taste of a perfectly mixed vodka based cocktail).  Something with brandy might be nice, maybe even an exotic brandy from, say, Peru – or something.

Pink Panther
2 oz. Capel™ Pisco
¾ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ oz. orgeat syrup
3 fresh, ripe raspberries
4 drops of rosewater
1 egg white

In your dry cocktail shaker, muddle the raspberries with the other ingredients and give a good dry shake for a 20 count.  Add ice and shake for another 12 count.  Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a dusting of lemon zest.  Look at her while she takes her first sip.

Number 3
Obviously, a lady enjoys champagne.  A good champagne is a very good choice for a lady, especially if she’s been good.  But a champagne cocktail, now that’s taking it to the next level. 

The French 95
1 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
¾ oz. bourbon whiskey (Blanton’s™ is a good choice)
¾ oz. simple syrup
½ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Perrier Jouet™ Brut Champagne

Fill a red wine glass, or a bejeweled goblet, with crushed ice – no cubes.  Combine the first four ingredients in an iced cocktail shaker and shake for an 8 count.  Strain into the wine glass/goblet and top up with the bubbly.

Number 4
Vodka is not the only white liquor that a lady enjoys.  Tequila, Gin and Rum are also white and sometimes they will do just fine.  Margaritas, Gimlets, Daiquiris and the like are excellent in their way, but a lady does love a creative surprise that tastes perfectly delicious.

The Stork Club
1 ½ oz. gin (Citadel™ is a good choice)
1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ oz. orange liqueur (Bauchant™ is a good choice)
¼ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 dash Angostura™ Bitters

In an iced cocktail shaker, combine the ingredients and shake for a 12 count.  Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a flamed orange peel.  Flame the peel in front of her, right before you serve the drink, so that she can smell it immediately when the glass comes to her lips.

This is by no means a “definitive” list of rules: there are exceptions, addendums, amendments, bylaws, subsets and alternatives – BUT this should be a good foundation upon which to build your understanding of what a lady might like.  And always remember – a lady is inspired by confidence, creativity and charisma – these drinks definitely bring that and more to the table.