Funny story behind this one.
Making a drink for Gina Chersevani would be difficult for me, I knew, because I’d be so wanting to get it just right.? I’m not saying that it’s any different than anyone else – really, I want everyone to enjoy their drink, or in the case of a few coming up at least get the joke – but of all the mixologists here in DC Marshall and I have probably spent the most time hanging out with Gina.
That started with her cocktail class and continues with her at PS7.? There, it’s not just her, but the delicious food that Peter Smith makes up in the kitchen, and he’s been a great guy to meet.? So I had to work on it.
I actually had to write down the genesis of this drink before I could sleep the other night.? When I went to make it tonight for Thursday Drink Night I realized I had to make a different variation.? That, basically, led to two drinks named after Gina.
Though that’s actually three, because the third one – with its name – was one I couldn’t resist, and a variation off the second.
For some reason for this drink I’ve had creme de cassis stuck in my head.? Gina, I don’t know why, but for some reason, your drink demanded creme de cassis.? We first start with the Gina Fizz #1.
Oh you see a hint don't you?!
Gina Fizz #1
2 ounces gin (Martin Miller)
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce creme de cassis (Lucien Jacob)
1 dash Angostura
Miller Lite
Shake everything but the Miller Lite together.? Strain into a double old fashioned glass (chilled) and top with Miller Lite.? Yes, you can use club soda if you want, but if you love Gina, you’ll use Miller Lite.
It was on my way to make the first drink for TDN tonight that I realized “Gina’s drink needs beer in it, and it should be a Miller brand!”? I don’t keep High Life in the house but you could use that, too, though I do have Miller Lite.
Originally when making this I used 1/2 ounce of lime juice instead of the Angostura bitters; I think this change is better.? In the chat room, one person had this suggestion:
9:33 PM [Buffalonian]: SeanMike, really liking your Gina Fizz #1; subbed lime juice for lemon and almond syrup for simple. added ice because my lemon lime seltzer wasn’t chilled
That’s quite a bit of a change but sounds good to me!
oh my goodness!
I went to go back and make a drink that JohnTheBastard made but realized I still must, had to, gotta do it – make the original idea for the Gina Fizz.? This is basically a straight riff off of a Ramos Gin Fizz, with a slight change.? Maybe not enough to make it a full drink on its own but I’ll tell you what – it was DELICIOUS.
Gina Fizz #2
2 ounces gin (Martin Miller)
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce creme de cassis (Lucien Jacob)
1-2 dashes orange flower water (Fee’s)
1-2 dashes orange bitters (Regan’s)
1 egg white
1 ounce cream
Combine the ingredients in a shaker and shake the living heck outta of them for longer than you want, longer than you expect, until it hurts.? Strain into a chilled double old-fashioned glass, top with club soda, then shake on chipotle chocolate powder on top.
McCormick’s makes a chipotle cocoa powder that I’d add sugar to if using for this; also, I’d double the amount you see on my drink, as I ended up doing, and I also stirred it into my drink.
I’m using a powder that Gina made for the cocktail class and so I might be a bit wrong on the description of it but that’s basically it.? I’d originally planned on using the? McCormick’s but realized I was out.
Finally, I came up with a third variation.? This is based off the second one.? Instead of a garnish, make a dark chocolate cup with chipotle in it and serve the drink in that.? Also, take out the egg white, make it a merangue (I know, spelling), and shake and strain the other ingredients into the chocolate cup, topped with the merangue.? I call it “Peter’s Lament” because I’d imagine that it’d give Peter Smith even more to do in the kitchen to help out Gina!
Cheers and enjoy folks!? If you try ‘em, make sure you let me know what you think!
[Eleventh in a series of drinks named after bloggers, mixologists, and random others who'll hopefully be at Tales.? The first post in the series is here.]