Reformed Cynic

The Cocktails of Mad Men Week 11: Your Cheatin' Heart...

.. will tell on you, in ways both obvious and subtle: Betty's laying it down for Don, Rog finally realizing who the love of his life was (and dealing with the double tantrums of his two "children"), and the hit-you-over-the-head but nevertheless wonderful scene where Betty is faced with her two, and might I say incredibly handsome, choices. For some reason some of the side plots left me cold, but I have to say the treatment of President Kennedy's death was amazing. I remember my family telling me about people not being able to stop crying for days, and just the shock and horror of it all. Was that a clip of the wonderful Walter Cronkite delivering the news that the President was dead?

This week, I delved into the last of the drinks on the menu, opting for an Old Fashioned. Whiskey is potent, even if it is dolled up with a Maraschino cherry to make it palatable, and it burned on the way down like a good one should. Don't know if I'd make it a regular, though.

I was going to have a second from the list, but saw a wonderful drink created to support Community Servings' Pie In the Sky fundraiser, and knew that I ought to try it! The Harvard Cherry Crimson is a delightful mix of Smirnoff Black Cherry Vodka, Ginger Ale, Pom Pomegranate Juice, and Fresh Lime, and tastes like a Cherry-flavoured Lik-m-Aid. Sweet and Yummy!

Next week is the Season Finale, and as for the Premiere, Noir is throwing a fete! The winner of the tagline contest will be hosting, and judging the best costumes and handing out prizes! I will be liveblogging the event, as I have my final two cocktails, and whatever else strikes my fancy!

This coming Sunday: Who will be asked to  "Shut the Door. Have a Seat", and face the music? Don and Connie? Pete and TPTB at Sterling Coo? Bets and her new man? My money is on Rog telling Joanie that she was the one.. and always would be.

The Cocktails of Mad Men Week 10: Truth in Advertising

The truth will most certainly out, and it did this past week. I think I was correct in pegging Joan as our Gypsy, hoping to piece together a life, and of course Don was our Hobo, though I think he's staying put and not planning a Season 1-esque runner yet.

As my time with this cocktail list grows short, I decided to double up this week and have two drinks, the Champagne Cocktail and the Last Word, which I must say belonged to the wretched Carlton in this episode.

The Champagne Cocktail, made of Bouillot Grand reserve, Angostura Bitters, Sugar and Fresh Lemon Juice was spicy and warm, yet physically cold - the perfect Autumn drink. Was it the bitters that gave it that spicy glow warming the roof of my mouth?

Next, I had the Last Word, which tasted kind of like a Gin Gimlet  - this has Green Chartreuse, Bombay Gin, Maraschino Liqueur and Fresh Lime Juice, straight up. Yes, I realize this is a Gimlet, with a couple of punches thrown in. I added an extra squeeze of lime, and thought it was complex in that it tasted almost like a pastis, in an odd way. Nuanced - the way I like my drinks, and my men.

 

The best line of the episode, as I mentioned, was Carlton's, "Now who are you supposed to be?" One of those perfect phrases that could only be uttered by someone who has no idea of what's really going on in a situation - a disinterested third party, who is of course the perfect channel for the Truth.

Up Next - The Grown Ups. Will Peggy ditch Duck, or will she use him like the perfect Don Draper protege that she is? Will Betty's face crack?

The Cocktails of Mad Men Weeks 8 & 9: Don Draper Meltdown in 3..2..1..

I was delayed in posting, and boy, am I glad! The "Wee Small Hours" and "The Color Blue" are, I think, the beginning of the cracks showing in Don Draper's carefully crafted sandcastle paradise.

First, what happens in the "Wee Small Hours"? Don brings his passions too close to home - does anyone else think that Miss Farrell is perhaps a little bit Psycho? In keeping with the dark theme of this episode - most of the action, I think, took place in darkened sets - I had a Periodista, which I can only describe as a Dark and Angry Goddess. She is made of Myer's Dark Rum, Cointreau, Apricot Brandy, and a hint of lime, and like all Dark Goddesses, is both powerful and sweet.

As it was Columbus Day weekend, and blissfully had Monday free to do as I wished, I decided on another drink from the non-classic cocktail menu. At a very informed hostess' recommendation, I had 'Murder, My Sweet', which tasted like liquid Chivers' Bitter Orange Marmalade - spicy, clove-studded, icy cold yet warmed me all over.

Next, on "Don Draper Meltdown Part II"/ "The Color Blue"/ or perhaps my favorite alternative title, "Stone Cold Busted!", I'm beginning to wonder if Don makes a run for it, would Miss Farrell come with him?  He seems quite affectionate with her, and I don't recall if he ever was so with Midge.. We also saw the uneffaced douchery  of Paul, and the best lines of the episode going to the silver-haired folk: first Bertram with his "Pile it on and lick it off" comment, and Mrs. Sterling Senior's entire scene!

Realizing that all of the drinks I have left are hard, hard liquor, I decided on perhaps the sweetest of the bunch, the Sazerac:

A potent mixture of Whisky, Bitters, Pastis (which I looove), it was strong but with a top note of sweetness, like an old-fashioned Southern gentleman. Ladies (and gents who are so inclined), if you ever get to go out with one of these types, do - chivalry is not dead with them.. I let mine go, and more's the pity on that one.../Sigh.. Anyhow, back to the drink - he was so powerful that I couldn't take all of him, so I nursed him along after having half, and eventually had to finish off with some plain, garden-variety H20.

Coming up tonight:  Who will portray  "The Gypsy and the Hobo" - will this be return of Elliott from Belle Jolie, demanding Sal be rehired (I think Elliott made his debut in the Season 1 episode, "The Hobo Code"), and who could the Gypsy be? Our poor Joanie having to piece together an income doing whatever comes her way, perhaps..

The Cocktails of Mad Men Week 7: Plus ca change...

An interesting series of references to past events in this episode, and how, when presented with a situation from the past and given a chance to act differently, many people miss that opportunity - Pete Campbell, I'm talking to you. The parallel between his first nocturnal visit to Peggy in Bay Ridge and his preying on the hapless Gudrun was adeptly drawn - thanks, writers! I also enjoyed Betty in Fellini-esque getup in Rome; sometimes you can revisit your past and take some of that golden light back into wherever you are in your present.

I decided to stay with a Rum-based drink this evening, and had the saucily-named Between The Sheets. It's a combination of Bacardi, Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. A beautiful, warm hued drink that tastes like a Sidecar's Floridian cousin - tart, sweet, with more substance that you'd give her credit for based on her appearance and bright demeanor.

Here she is:

Up next: A few new additions to the cocktail menu for fall; I'll be sure to update on my progress through the drink list and any substitutions made. Also, what will be revealed in the "Wee Small Hours" - late night confessions and breakthroughs, anyone? Is this the week Betty finally gets that locked desk drawer open?

The Cocktails of Mad Men Week 6: Wicked Games

This was definitely an action packed episode, and based on the reaction of the crowd at Noir - applause at the end of the ep- probably the best (so far) this season. Don's instant karma catching up with him (his dressing down of Peggy and his subsequently being reined in by Bertram), Peggy's potentially dangerous rendez-vous with Duck, and Betty's flirting with infidelity all brought that Chris Isaak song to mind.

I had the Stardust this week, rum, Parfait Amour, and fresh lemon juice, with a sugared rim. Unfortunately, it looked a bit like bilge water, and was a little like a milder Mike's Hard Lemonade, something I don't particularly care for. I can't say that I really enjoyed the drink, but it wasn't horrible either.

I can understand/relate to Peggy's actions with Duck, however hotly debated it has been on TWOP - when you're used to being with boys, the opportunity to be with a man is very, very appealing. Of course, it remains to be seen if this will lead to her sacking at Sterling Coop.

Coming up: "Souvenir" - who will have the proverbial 'Remembrance of things Past'? We've been a bit Dick Whitman heavy, so who will be tortured by memories or new realizations this time?

The Cocktails of Mad Men Week 5: Driving Under the Influence

Mayhem at Sterling Cooper! I wonder what the penalty was in 1963 for operating a John Deere under the influence, and severing a pompous prat's foot?  Roger's "Man up" comment to Harry was pure Silver Fox goodness.. To honor the end of Summer - and inadvertently bring some gallows humor to the table - I decided on the Sidecar this week:

Citrusy, Courvoisier-y, and with a deliciously sugared rim, it's a drink my ever-chic grandmother's set loved. Drink this as a health tonic (lots of Vit C!), drink this as an end to an interesting Summer, and most of all don't drink it if you plan on riding on a John Deere...

... or any wheeled/motorized vehicle. Really.

Next week: Seven Twenty Three. Looks like Duck is wooing Pegs.. personal, professional, or just plain revenge for being cut loose by PP&L?

The Cocktails of Mad Men Week 4: Braving "The Fog"

In a nod to the waning summer, cool and rainy weather last week, and in honor of championship tennis, I decided to cut through "The Fog" with a Mika's Cup. Essentially a Pimm's Cup with an extra kick of Gin, it packed a powerful punch. I am no stranger to Pimm's Cups, a lovely drink that I have all summer long, and is also one of the unofficial tipples of Wimbledon. The US Open wrapped up this past week, and I think that this 3-flags version of a Pimm's suited the Women's Semi-Final nicely.

I also loved the resurfacing of Duck Phillips - sharp mind, lover of Gin; also unfortunately someone who can't hold his drink. Great interaction between Pete and Peggy, too - I wonder how long it'll be before those two erupt over their shared secret.

Without further ado, here is Mika's Cup:

and again:

I loved the light sepia color, and the fact that Noir makes a damn strong drink! No watered down disappointments here!

Next week: "Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency" - a visit by the Home Office. This could call for something stiff and plummy..

The Cocktails of Mad Men: Weeks 2 and 3

I've been a little remiss in posting, so I have two weeks' worth of drinks. First, here's the Classic Cocktail menu that I'll be wending my way through:



There is also a special "Mad Men" drink selection:

By and large, these are the drinks that I'll feature here.

In my previous post, I mentioned the two drinks I had while watching "Love Among the Ruins" - a wonderful Hendrick's & Tonic and the Stolly-bolly-esque "Betty's Bubbles".I've had it in a champagne flute, but for some reason this one was in a Martini glass.

Although "My Old Kentucky Home" centered around a Derby Day Party at a country club (ostensibly in Westchester or on Long Island) and Reefer Madness back at the Sterling Coop offices, I decided to sample the swinging French 75. It's another lovely Champagne-based cocktail, with fresh citrus juice, Courvoisier, Bombay Sapphire, and a sugared rim, which was the only thing I could find any fault with. Fizzy and fun, I would have this in the early evening, watching the sun set on a terrace overlooking the Ocean. Being on the Cote d'Azur would be nice too, but who's being picky?

I missed  "The Arrangements" as I had a rendez-vous,and though I missed Sal's mincing about and the demise of Gene Hofstadt (and the birth of counter-culture Sally), I did drink a marvellous Shiraz with Excellent company that evening!

Next up: "The Fog". It's been raining and misty up here lately, so we'll see which drink melds with the weather best. Any suggestions or ideas?

Blogging my way through Season 3 of Mad Men, one Cocktail at a time.

As a consequence of my Cable-free life - and combined with a desire to get out there and meet new people - I've been watching this season of Mad Men at the fabulous Noir Bar in Harvard Square.

Now, I love cocktails, especially the time-tested classics. Growing up with folks born in the early 1900's through the 1930's means that "Fuzzy navels" would have resulted to a scrubbing down in the bath, and "Sex on the Beach" was not discussed in public. Fortunately, Noir bar has a list of classic cocktails, and bartenders who understand that a Hendricks' and Tonic calls for a cucumber garnish.

I've decided to work my way through each classic cocktail as well as the special "Mad Men Inspired" drinks Noir has created, and comment on them each week.

At the season premiere bash, I had a Manhattan (and what a joy it is to have a bartender who knows how to make one - you'd be surprised at the number who don't) and a sample of a delightful concoction known as "Betty's Bubbles" - sort of a lemony Stolly Bolly, with Prosecco in lieu of Champagne.

Last week, I had a Hendrick's and Tonic and a full-sized Betty's Bubbles - both quite good.

I'll try to snag photos to each of those drinks tonight, and post them, along with tonight's tipple and some comments on the episode, "My Old Kentucky Home", which seems to be an eye opener - Joan vs. Jane, and Roger making a complete and utter ass of himself.

Herb & Dorothy

Went to see Herb and Dorothy last night, a wonderful film about two unlikely art collectors in NYC. A librarian(Dorothy) and a Postal Worker(Herb), they lived on her salary and used his to purchase an extensive Minimalist and Conceptual Art collection, which was eventually gifted to the National Gallery in Washington, DC. The National Gallery paid them a small annuity in exchange for the gift, which they amazingly use to continue purchasing art.

What struck me about this film is that two people of very modest means fulfilled their driving passion for art, and continue to do so over 40 years later. Their commitment to art and each other, and their genuine enjoyment of each other is touching - I can only hope that I find someone I'm so in tune with.

It's also been an eye-opening example of conscious spending - putting your dollars, pounds, euros, rubles, and so forth into what matters most to you, your values, and what feels best for the life you lead. I have been doing this over the past couple of years, but my commitment has been renewed after watching this film.I want to have a fresh look at where my money is going to make sure it reflects who I am and the life I want to lead.