Every fall, an endless parade of cookbooks is released, and that includes a good number of cocktail books: books from shadowy, plush speakeasies across the country, focusing on the storied pasts of the world’s greatest spirits, full of elaborate and intricate concoctions.
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Beautiful and informative as they are, very few of these books feature simple cocktails. You know, the ones you make at home using the bottles you have on hand, a few ingredients served over ice on a Friday night after work. So it was with great relief that I cracked open Robert Simonson’s new book, 3-Ingredient Cocktails and found it jam-packed with simple drinks that I’ll be making on Friday nights and beyond.
Why three ingredients? Simonson quotes Peggy Olson from Mad Men: “You need three ingredients for a cocktail. Vodka and Mountain Dew is an emergency.” Or, as he puts it, “One ingredient, you’ve got a nice dram. Two, you’ve got a highball. Get three things to marry together, you’ve likely got a cocktail.” More than that? Personally, I’m paying someone else to make it for me. At least on a Friday.
Here are some great ideas for simplifying your at-home cocktail game:
3-Ingredient Cocktails Are Classic
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“If the Manhattan had eight ingredients, nobody would be making it today,” writes Simonson. “At least, not at home and probably not at many bars.” In other words, it’s a classic because of its simplicity. Come to think of it, when was the last time you had a Manhattan? Maybe it’s time.
3-Ingredient Cocktails Are Old Fashioned
Literally. Simonson calls the Old Fashioned the “3-ingredient grandaddy of the cocktail world.” Comprised of sugar, bitters, and a spirit, this boozy wonder is as classic as it gets. Try yours with traditional bourbon or rye, or mix things up with rum or cognac.
3-Ingredient Cocktails Are Modern
Of course, there are still new 3-ingredient combos to be found. Like the Red Hook, a combination of rye, maraschino liqueur, and Punt y Mes that was first served at cocktail bar Milk & Honey. Or perhaps you want to experiment with your own creations? Simonson divides 3-ingredient cocktails into two camps that you could potentially use as rough guidelines for your own creations: spirit + sweetener + bitters or spirit + sweetener + citrus.
Whatever your favorite 3-ingredient cocktail may be, though, the best part about them is that they make stocking up on ingredients easy. So try a few of Simonson’s offerings, pick one you like, and keep those three bottles on hand. Friday night happy hour, solved.
