The autumn evening had a distinct chill that seeped through the windows of Ethan’s apartment, and the scattered golden leaves on the sidewalk outside hinted at a season shift that everyone could feel. Ethan had invited a few friends over, a small gathering to celebrate the season and swap stories over cocktails. He was known for his easy-going approach to hosting, with a knack for finding the perfect cocktail for each occasion. Tonight, he was feeling a bit nostalgic and decided to surprise his friends with something that blended tradition and simplicity—the “RAC Special.”

With his kitchen transformed into a mini-bar, Ethan lined up his ingredients on the counter: a bottle of London Dry Gin, both sweet and dry vermouth, and his trusty orange bitters. There was something about this drink that he felt suited the evening; it wasn’t overly fussy, but it had a classic elegance that made him think of autumn, of crisp, cool evenings and glowing city lights. The RAC Special wasn’t as well-known as a Martini or Negroni, but it was a classic in its own right, and he was eager to share its subtly complex taste with his friends.

As his friends settled around the living room, laughing and swapping stories from their week, Ethan began his preparation. He took out a shaker and filled it with ice, feeling the chill seep into his fingers as he added a generous pour of London Dry Gin. Next, he reached for the sweet vermouth, its deep, rich color contrasting with the pale gin. He measured out an ounce and added it to the mix, then followed up with an equal measure of dry vermouth, balancing out the drink with a slightly sharper edge. Finally, he added a couple of dashes of orange bitters, the fragrant notes of citrus filling the air, catching the attention of his guests.

"What are you making back there, Ethan?" called out Jamie, who had been watching the process with interest. "Smells like some kind of gin drink...but different."

“Good guess,” Ethan replied, grinning as he capped the shaker. “It’s a classic called the RAC Special. Just the right mix of smooth and strong, with a little autumn vibe.” He began shaking the cocktail, the sound of ice rattling against metal filling the room. The brisk movement brought out the bitters and the chill, and Ethan enjoyed the almost meditative rhythm of shaking the drink to perfection.

When he was satisfied with the temperature, Ethan grabbed a couple of chilled cocktail glasses from the freezer, each one slightly fogged from the cold. He poured the mixture through a strainer, watching as the pale amber liquid settled into the glasses, perfectly clear and just the right shade to catch the dim, warm lighting of the room. The final touch was a small piece of orange peel. He sliced a thin strip and, holding it firmly, gave it a squeeze over the drink, releasing a fine mist of citrus oils that hovered briefly over the glass before settling.

“Alright, here we go—RAC Specials, on the house,” he announced, passing the first glass to Jamie and then to his other friends.

Jamie took a sip, his eyebrows rising in pleasant surprise. “This is…smooth but has layers. You get the gin first, but then there’s this mellow sweetness, and the orange at the end. This is a great fall drink, Ethan!”

Ethan nodded, pleased with the reaction. “Exactly! It’s all about the balance—two kinds of vermouth, a solid gin, and just enough orange to keep it from getting too serious.”

As each of them savored the cocktail, the conversation drifted into stories of autumns past: bonfires, road trips through forests of turning leaves, and memories of old friendships rekindled over shared drinks. The RAC Special, with its understated blend of flavors, seemed to complement the nostalgia perfectly, filling the evening with warmth as they laughed and reminisced.

The night wore on, and as they continued to enjoy Ethan’s signature drink, his friends seemed to embrace the simple elegance of the RAC Special. It was a reminder of the beauty in small gatherings, the pleasure of good company, and the perfect cocktail—shaken to chill, just like the crisp air outside.