abstractmixologist

It's been a while since I've posted this picture for International Gin and Tonic day! Interestingly, when people ask about how best to prepare a gin and tonic, it is less about the gin, and more about the tonic itself. Avoiding high fructose corn syrup, and making sure your tonic is cold are two essentials. This trio of GnTs includes one made with Tonic Syrup, one with tonic and grapefruit juice and a third made with a mix of gin and the iconic French bitter Suze !

The backdrop to the delicious trio is a painting by my father in law Harry from around 1970. It was his artwork that inspired the name of my company - Abstract Mixologist and reflects my style of using thoughtfully sourced and seasonal flavors to make cocktails at home that are not only delicious, they are good for you!

The first cocktail I ever made was a gin and tonic, I was probably around six years old (i didn't drink it). But from a young age I was fascinated by "hospitality". It is truly a passion making people feel welcome, and comfortable. I'm thrilled that my cocktail classes give me the opportunity to do this all the time! I look forward to seeing and serving you soon!

Cucumber French 75

I was asked to showcase the French 75 at an event in Dallas in March. It gave me the opportunity to dive into the history of this well loved cocktail and share it with everyone!

Somehow I don't think a cocktail named after the AR15 rifle would have quite the same draw as this cocktail named after the Howitzer 75mm cannon! But a cocktail first developed in the trenches ow World War 1 has stood the test of time and remains one of our favorites today.

I made this riff on the original with a little muddled cucumber - as a St Patrick's cocktail. But you can leave it out for the classic flavor - or muddle in something else if you want!

Cucumber French 75

1-2 slices cucumber
1 oz London Dry Gin
1/2oz Simple Syrup
1/2oz fresh lemon juice
2-3oz champagne or brut sparkling wine

In a shaker tin, muddle the cucumber (a little or a lot depending on how much you like cucumber). Add the gin, syrup and lemon juice. Shake well and double strain into a flute and top with sparkling wine.

Side note- the 75 cocktail was originally served with ice - and we're starting to see a return to this so don't be afraid of ditching the 1980/s flute and pouring this over a rock!

😂

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C2sU8SL3h/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Lemondrop Royale

Continuing my update on cocktails served in Spring workshops for 2025.... I pack a lot of classes into February, partly because we spend the first half of the month in the mountains skiing! Then lots of Valentines/Galentines events for the rest of the month.

I wanted to share a will known cocktail that the girls love, but gussy it up a little for love month! So the Lemondrop Martini but with a float of sparkling wine. Lovers of "real" martinis will always have something to say about the Lemondrop, but as it was created for dancing in clubs.... it really is a perfect Galentines cocktail .

Lemondrop Royale
1.5oz vodka
0.75oz orange liqueur or triple sec (I use Triple Succession by because it's so good and made in Texas)
0.75oz simple syrup
1oz fresh lemon juice
Sparkling wine
Granulated honey for rim ( )

Dip glass in simple syrup then granulated honey for a different take on your sugared rum.
Combine vodka, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup in shaker. Shake well and strain into your glass. Top with 1-3 oz of sparkling wine.

This cocktail is somewhere between a French 75, a gin fizz and the original Lemondrop. It was probably the most popular cocktail for the month of February! Cheers!