(More) Cocktails and A Salute to the Roaring 20s

"Have a cigarette, Ethel. You're attracting an awful lot of attention by not smoking."

Oh dear, I don't know what to do! Here I have the minister coming to dinner and I simply can't find out if I should serve cocktails before or after grace.

There must be legions of thirsty web surfers out there, as once again we've received requests for more cocktail recipes and inspirations. Luckily Cafe Drake has a virtual arsenal of ideas for cocktail parties, and not a little experience either. The Roaring Twenties are still not stale in our minds (if alas not in our actual memories) and we continue to plumb that glorious decade of naughty nightime fun for concoctions nearly forgotten. While it's not neccesary to throw a theme party, always incorporate a bit of Between-the-Wars joie de vivre in your planning, whether it be a Deco color combination of plum and acid green, or a commitment to watching the sun rise with your favorite guests and a bottle of Krug.

BAMBOO COCKTAIL

Though low wattage in terms of alcohol content, this amusing drink is not for everyone. Slightly tart and a little sour, the Bamboo is most refreshing in the warm months, sipped before dinner, by those who prefer a very dry apertif. We like to nibble on the little wasabi-coated dried peas while imbibing, but a nice contrast would be a sweet finger food, such as dates wrapped in bacon, brushed with terayaki sauce and cooked under the broiler.

1 1/2 jiggers dry sherry / 1 1/2 jiggers dry (Italian) vermouth

Mix above in a pitcher with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a cocktail glass. A sort of masterpiece of minimalist chic, the Bamboo requires no garnish.

BUSTER BROWN

For all you bourbon lovers, here's a variant on the Old Fashioned, and easier and quicker to assemble when you need a drink fast.

1 t. simple syrup / 2 dashes fresh lemon juice / 2 dashes fresh orange juice / 2 jiggers bourbon

Stir all together and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Repeat until dinner is served.