July is that wonderful month when New Orleans experiences what everyone accuses us of all the rest of the year: heat and humidity. We cannot feign ignorance or surprise when some visitor or newcomer says, “How do you stand this?” We would like to answer, “Stand what?” But in July, the real truth is on our brow.
That makes it all that much more special when large-scale events like Essence Festival and Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) return this month, bringing thousands of guests to our midst. They have been here before, so there should be no surprises from the climate.
In honor of TOTC, one of the largest gatherings of mixologists in the world, we are featuring two cocktails this month, created by Jeff Grdinich, General Manager, and Christine Jeanine, mixologist, at the new restaurant Angeline in the French Quarter. The key to these drinks, the sturdy and reliable Gin & Tonic and A Promise’s Ghost, is that two of the main ingredients, tonic water and strawberry simple syrup, are both made fresh in-house to assure achieving the ideal balance and presence of aromas and flavors. As a Gin & Tonic is self-explanatory, look to the recipe for the second below.
Perfect refreshments on a July afternoon? Absolutely.
A Promise’s Ghost
1 ounce Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur
3/4 ounce Pisco, Peru
3/4 ounce Strawberry simple syrup
1/4 ounce Lemon juice
2 ounces Gruet Brut Sparkling Wine, New Mexico
Shake all ingredients together. Double strain. Pour into a flute-style glass.
Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with long lemon peel twist.
As created and served at the new Angeline Restaurant, located in the Hotel Provincial, 1032 Chartres St.
