Will You Be My Bartender?

This was one of the longest weeks in recorded history. Not a bad week. Just an inordinately long one.

It was a week that called for deep satisfaction and comfort. Last night, I could resist the call no longer. I needed a man who knew me. A man who would take care of my needs without my even having to express them. A man of inspiration and intuition.

For this, I turned to Phil, one of the most gifted bartenders I know.

The scene: Pegu Club.

The drink: A riff on the Juniperotivo Cocktail. (Pictured above.)

Phil knows me as a gin drinker. I am more than willing to experiment with anything he deems worthy of putting into a glass, but he is aware of my affinity for the gin.

So, why did he think it best to perform a switcheroo and sub out the namesake gin in the Juniperotivo for Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey? The pomegranate molasses, mint and lime juice remained. It was only the juniper-based spirit that he banished from my glass.

Why?

Because Phil is a mind-reader - or more to the point, a palate-reader. The rye took the sweetness of the drink down a notch and added an edge of spice and complexity.

Spice and complexity.

Just the ticket to get me from Thursday to Friday.

A word of advice: Find a good bartender. Belly up to the bar as often as possible. Tip amply as you go. But, most importantly, find a good bartender.

I've found Phil. And who have you discovered? Please share. I promise to use the knowledge wisely - and tip amply as I go.