The Violet Hour Cocktail Recipe |
San Francisco Sunset (photo by R. Beaty, courtesy of morguefile.com)
It seems our old friend Gary Regan, the author and master mixologist, has an artistic side which we’ve previously failed to fully appreciate. He recently quoted from "The Hour" by Bernard DeVoto, “…the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affectations glow and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."
The violet hour happens to be one Gary’s favorite times of day. It is the cocktail hour, when the day’s labors are done, the sun is slipping into the horizon, and the time for sipping a restorative cocktail has arrived. Gary’s come across a new potion that suits that time beautifully, the Violet Hour Cocktail. It’s the creation of Jackie Patterson, lead bartender at the elegant San Francisco eatery, Zinnia. According to our old friend, the drink played a major role in winning her a trip to France to compete in the finals of a worldwide cocktail competition.
Gary writes, “…there is a chance, albeit slight, that if you sip a Violet Hour cocktail and, with soft eyes, you look out over the San Francisco Bay, you might just catch a glimpse of DeVoto's unicorn as it canters gently over the waves. And wouldn't that be a treat?"
Ingredients for 1 Drink
Adapted from a recipe by Jackie Patterson, Zinnia, San Francisco.
• 2 Ounces Sobieska vodka
• 1/2 Ounce Marie Brizard Parfait Amour
• 1/2 Ounce Lillet Blanc
• 1 Dash anisette
• 1 Lemon twist, for garnish
Preparation
1. Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds with ice and add vodka, Marie Brizard Parfait Amour, Lillet Blanc and anisette.
2. Stir for 15 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add the garnish.
If you’d like to purchase Gary’s newest display of wit, charm & knowledge go to: the bartender's GIN compendium
If you’d like to purchase the book on spirits & cocktails that Gary Regan calls, “My Baby” go to: The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender's Craft
If you’d like to purchase a terrific bartender’s guide authored by Gary's partner Mardee go to: The Bartender's Best Friend: A Complete Guide to Cocktails, Martinis, and Mixed Drinks
To visit Gary and Mardee’s wonderful web site and sign up for their very witty newsletter go to: Ardent Spirits
Zinnia is located at 500 Jackson Street in S.F.'s Financial District. For reservations & further info go to: Zinnia
