Flatiron

June 1, 2010 (Day 122) — Flatiron

Proof that my brain is hardwired for food. The first thing I thought when I saw the name of this cocktail was of a flatiron steak. Then I wanted steak. Then I was disappointed to discover I didn’t have time to make a steak. I had a french dip sandwich instead. Which has beef. But wasn’t steak. I still want steak. But that was one damn good sammich.

Anyway, because it came close to peaking 100 today with some godly winds whipping through town, I wanted a summery drink that would help cool me off during my downtime before I had to head back out into the sun. This is a New Amsterdam Gin-specific recipe — which is why the recipe names a specific booze. Also, I happened to have some on hand and some gin just sounded killer on a killer day.

Flatiron

2 oz New Amsterdam Gin

2 oz mango nectar

1 small sprig fresh basil

1/2 lemon, squeezed

1/2 oz Triple Sec liqueur

1 lemon wedge for garnish

Combine in a cocktail shaker. Shake thoroughly until completely cold, then pour into a chilled cocktail glass or a rocks glass filled with ice. I was feeling adventurous (read: lazy)  so I did a cocktail glass filled with ice.

Certainly, not bad. But, as I’ve said before, I really like drinks that give you a swift kick in the jaw with flavor. This is very subdued. It’s a waif of a drink. The mango and gin are great combination, and there’s plenty of booze to bolster the drink. But the two almost cancel each other out in a way. The longer it sat in my glass, the more the flavors mixed and the better it was.

Even then, like I said, this just doesn’t have enough “oomph” for me. For someone who’s looking for a nice summer cocktail who isn’t fond of the odd and strong, this would be an excellent cocktail.

Cheers!

— Mark