I love the Olympic games, cocktails, and a good story, so I naturally fell for the tale of the classic cocktail, The Olympic.
The forgotten stepsister of the popular Side Car, the Olympic originated in London in 1922, likely in recognition of Olympic ocean liner, not the athletic competition.
The first recipes were one part cognac to one part orange juice to one part curacao, likely a non-electric-blue color because Brilliant Blue FCF hadn't originated yet.
In celebration of the 2012 games in London, we began experimenting with the Olympic. Our version, heavier on the cognac than the original, is refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness.
We'll serve the Olympic tonight with a London-inspired meal of steak and mushroom pasties, shaved brussels sprouts salad, popovers, and roasted peaches. I can hardly wait!
The Olympic Makes 1 drink
fresh squeezed juice of half a navel orange 2 ounces VSOP cognac 1 ounce quality orange brandy liqueur like Grand Marnier 1 dash Peychoud's bitters strip of orange peel for garnish
1. Place ice and water in a cocktail glass. 2. Pour orange juice, cognac, orange brandy and bitters over ice in a cocktail shaker. 3. Shake and strain into glass. Garnish with a strip of orange peel.
Are you watching the Olympics? Who are you cheering for?
