Our third and final cocktail is the Poet’s Dream. A classic cocktail of unknown origin, which made it’s first appearance in print in the 1931 Old Waldorf Bar Days book..
A classic cocktail of unknown origin, which made it's first appearance in print in the 1931 Old Waldorf Bar Days book. It is a variant of the Ford Martini.
Half-fill a mixing jug with ice.
Add all ingredients and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.
Express oils from the lemon twist and then garnish the glass with the twist.
[cocktail-ingredients]
Modern recipes often drop the Benedictine D.O.M to three quarters or a half oz
The recipe calls for a London Dry Gin, but we prefer this made with Boatyard Double Gin which is much more lemon forward.
AI generated anecdote for article length
On a quiet evening, bathed in the warm glow of his home, Richard found himself in the mood for a touch of elegance and a hint of poetic inspiration. The air was fragrant with the subtle notes of an approaching spring, and the idea of crafting a cocktail that mirrored the season's vibrancy took hold of his imagination. With a smile, he decided to embark on the creation of a Poet's Dream.
The setting sun cast a soft glow through the curtains as Richard, an aficionado of mixology, approached his well-stocked home bar. His fingers deftly traced the familiar outlines of the bottles, selecting a London Dry Gin that promised a crisp and juniper-kissed foundation for his concoction. Beside it, the amber-hued Benedictine D.O.M and the dry vermouth stood ready to join in this alchemical dance.
With precision born of practice, Richard measured equal parts of the three elixirs, the liquids cascading into the mixing glass like poetry flowing onto a blank page. The gin, a nod to tradition; the Benedictine, a touch of herbal complexity; and the dry vermouth, a whisper of sophistication—each ingredient a stanza in the composition of his Poet's Dream.
As he gently stirred the concoction, the ice clinked against the glass, creating a melody that echoed through his home. The scent of juniper mingled with the herbal notes of Benedictine and the subtle aroma of the vermouth, creating a symphony of aromas that hinted at the sensory journey to come.
Richard's choice of vessel was a Nick and Nora glass, a nod to the golden age of cocktails. He envisioned his creation cradled in this elegant stemware, a libation worthy of poetic contemplation. With a practiced hand, he strained the elixir into the waiting glass, the liquid settling with a clarity that mirrored his creative intent.
A lemon awaited its cue—a bright, yellow twist of zest that would impart a citrusy burst to the ensemble. Richard held the lemon over the glass, gently expressing its oils with a deft twist of the wrist. The air filled with the essence of citrus, a refreshing top note that elevated the Poet's Dream to a sublime experience.
As Richard savored the first sip, he marveled at the symphony of flavors that danced across his palate. The juniper played a lively tune, the Benedictine added depth and mystery, and the vermouth provided a harmonious backdrop. The lemon twist, like a poignant refrain, lingered on the senses, inviting contemplation.
Seated in his favorite armchair, Richard reveled in the quietude of his home, a sanctuary where creativity and libation converged. The Poet's Dream had transcended its humble origins, becoming a vessel for introspection and inspiration. Each sip seemed to unlock a new verse, a cascade of thoughts and emotions, as if the elixir had tapped into the very essence of poetic expression.
And so, in the solitude of his home, Richard continued to sip his Poet's Dream, each drop a testament to the artistry of mixology and the power of a well-crafted cocktail to transport the soul. As the night unfolded, the poetic musings echoed in his mind, a melodic reverie inspired by a simple concoction that had become an ode to the joys of creativity.
Ingredients
Directions
Half-fill a mixing jug with ice.
Add all ingredients and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.
Express oils from the lemon twist and then garnish the glass with the twist.