-Chris Styles

http://www.idolizejournal.com

Here’s to Buster Bronx!

The Bronx is a pretty famous cocktail; I imagine that, barring some sort of silly neighborhood politics, any skilled barman would be able to provide a decent version.

On the other hand—I’d go get the vermouth, too. They always taste better at home.

I hope you enjoy it, thanks.

I’m glad the Bronx catches your imagination; yes, it does make a nice warm weather drink.

Angostura aromatic bitters would not be your friend in the Bronx. I tried this experiment once, accidentally (note to self: don’t forget which cocktail you’re making…), and I can tell you from experience that aromatic bitters have no place in this drink, no. Much better to leave the bitters out altogether. The drink is acceptable without orange bitters, brilliant with.

Orange bitters were a nearly defunct ingredient until a few years ago; the cocktailian movement and a rising interest in the classics has returned them to the US market, where there are now at least a half-dozen brands readily available.

Alas! I have no idea if you can get such things in Beijing. It would be interesting to learn if there are locally produced products that are, in essence, orange bitters? It’s an intriguing line of inquiry, since the Chinese culture is more in tune with herbal medicines than seems generally true in western countries.

I do know that Fee Brothers and Bitter Truth make excellent orange bitters that are available in the UK, and I believe that the Angostura Orange is available there also. Perhaps you have friends coming to visit soon?

I’m glad you found Cold Glass; thank you for taking the time to comment.

I think a Bronx (or two) would be just the thing on a hot afternoon. Excellent.

So many cocktails, so many stories. I’m delighted that you found Cold Glass. And hey, your blog shows you to be a careful and detail-oriented cook, so you’ll have no problem with making cocktails. Have fun!

If it turns out you like the Bronx, then be sure to try Satan’s Whiskers.

I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for subscribing.

All the great cocktails (and some of the not-so-great) do seem to have a story. Or two. And not necessarily true, but always entertaining.

I haven’t encountered Oxley here in beautiful Minnesota. If I get a chance, I’ll try your recommendation. Thanks.

Depends on what you want to do with that pantry.

If you’re supplying just for yourself, you can just buy the stuff you need to make your favorite drink(s). If the only thing you drink is martinis, all you need is your favorite gin, a good dry vermouth, your garnish of choice, lots of ice, and Bob’s your uncle. The minimalist bar, sort of like the old detective stories, with the whiskey flagon in the bottom desk drawer. (Except vermouth goes in the fridge.)

If your tastes range more widely, or if you entertain friends with diverse preferences, you’ll need to devote more pantry space to the project. The basic generalist’s pantry would likely include your favorite vodka, gin, bourbon, and rum, plus sweet and dry vermouths, and angostura bitters. Perhaps some Cointreau. And of course, lots regular grocery items, like fruits, lots of ice, and soda, cola, and/or ginger ale.

Have you checked out David Solmonson’s 12 Bottle Bar? (You can click to him from the Blogroll link in the sidebar.) He is making a disciplined (and successful) attempt to maintain a minimalist back bar—yes, 12 bottles—and his description of his philosophy and choices may guide your thoughts.

Thanks for asking.

I’m glad you enjoyed the post. There will be more, follow!

Yeah, there’s that orange garnish again. The floating rounds look good in “real life,” but I’ll have to stick to other shapes for the photos.

Egg yolk, very amusing. I had a similar thought, actually… That’s one of the hazards of orange twist garnishes, I guess. Perhaps I’ll style that garnish differently in the future. Enjoy your Bronx!

Yes, New York barmen do seem to love the idea of naming drinks after their neighborhoods. I’ve tried quite a few of them, and some are, shall we say, more attractive than others. But I still have a way to go on my Tour de Boroughs.

I’m glad you enjoyed the Bronx; thanks for the credit in your posting.