The return of “Mad Men” on Sunday gives us a great excuse to break out some retro mixology skills. Classic cocktails really are a must if you’re having a viewing party with friends.
These five recipes are easy enough to make at home. Or if you’re in the mood for a night out of drinking in style, head over to Sidebar 122 for their expertly crafted cocktails.
Negroni
Bold, red and just the right amount of sweet — it’s basically the Joan Harris of cocktails.
1 oz. gin
1 oz. sweet vermouth
1 oz. Campari
Combine ingredients and stir. Pour into a martini glass or coupe. Garnish with an orange slice.
Moscow Mule
Yes, the Cold War was during the “Mad Men” era, but even Roger Sterling doesn’t hate commies enough to pass up this tasty beverage.
2 oz. vodka
4 oz. ginger beer
Lime juice
Mix vodka and ginger beer over ice, and add squeezed lime juice from half a lime. Garnish with lime wedge. Traditionally served in a copper mug, but a highball glass will suffice.
Mint Julep
This Derby Day tradition is a favorite of Betty Draper’s.
3 oz. bourbon
.5 oz. simple syrup
Mint
Angostura bitters
Muddle mint in a glass, add bourbon and ice. Stir. Add a couple of dashes of bitters, and garnish with a sprig of mint. Traditionally served in a tin cup or Collins glass.
Pisco Sour
A Peruvian brandy cocktail that first became popular in the States by way of San Francisco. Don Draper has to drink one when he inevitably makes a Summer of Love trip in 1967.
2 oz. Pisco
1 egg white
Lime juice
Angostura bitters
Combine Pisco, egg white and squeezed juice from half a lime in shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe or Old-Fashioned glass.
Tom Collins
For some reason I always pictured Pete Campbell as a Tom Collins man.
2 oz. gin
2 oz. club soda
1 tsp. sugar
Lemon juice
Combine gin, sugar and juice from half a lemon in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange slice.
