Maraschino

On Monday night I headed over to my favorite bar, 15 Romolo, to be a guest judge for a Gong-Show Karaoke competition. The event was sponsored by Chartreuse, an aromatic French liquor with a vibrant green color. It just so happens that my current favorite cocktail — The Last Word — uses Chartreuse. I ordered one and asked my bartending buddy, Aaron how to make it.

The Last Word is a classic concoction that dates back to prohibition. It's an expertly created cocktail with four simple ingredients that mix perfectly. The Last Word is not sweet or bitter, but wonderfully balanced and smooth. Don't be intimidated by the gin, because the portions are equal, you won't even know it's there! A last word of warning though, drink too many of these and you may end up hungover. To look at the simple recipe, read more

Like bitters, maraschino liqueur is an essential ingredient in many classic cocktails but serves an opposite purpose. The cherry-derived spirit offers just a hint of sweetness that's not at all syrupy. I particularly love cocktails that combine bitters and maraschino, as the competing elements come together for a very complex taste.The festive Fat Prince challenges (in a good way) the taste buds even more, with earthy rye and a float of Brut champagne. Though the combination isn't timid, it's a highly sippable tipple. It's also a great way to get acquainted with maraschino, but if you can't find it, you can substitute kirschwasser. To get the recipe, read more