The term “Vogue” is recognizable across the planet. It is an iconic term for quality and excellence. “Vogue” is simply and perfectly rock solid.
And, Vogue denotes more than fashion. The British edition of Vogue compiled a book of classic cocktails from the 1930s. Drink expert Henry McNulty took inspiration from that Golden Age and in 1982 released this delightful, slim but powerful tome. Now you can find a new edition with the same inspired beverages.
The 150 recipes here are organized by the base spirit:
- Champagne
- Gin
- Vodka
- Whisky
- Rum
- Brandies and Other Spirits
- Punches
Now, note that list. It’s not intentionally snobbish but it does reflect a certain prejudice of elegance: you start with champagne and end up with punches. As a punch expert, I’m a little disturbed by that order, but I can restrain myself. After all the Punches chapter has this CHAMPAGNE punch:
Champagne Cup
-
- 4 ounces brandy
- 2 ounces curacao
- 2 ounces maraschino
- 1 quart hard cider
- 6 dashes of grenadine
- Orange, lemon, pineapple and cucumber slices
- Mint
- 1 bottle of Champagne
Now, that’s quite a complex “punch” and displays the elevated quality of what you’ll find in Vogue Cocktails. Here are a few more snippets:
Black Velvet: Champagne + Guinness
Cardinal: gin, vermouth, Campari, lemon
Aqua Marina: vodka, lemon juice, crème de menthe and [of course] champagne
Fourth of July: orange and lemon juice, bourbon, apricot brandy
Shanghai: rum, anisette, lemon juice and grenadine
Acapulco: tequila, Kahlua, dark rum and coconut cream
I hope that sample makes you pause a bit. These are serious cocktails with a blending of multiple flavors to reach a flavor plateau that will surely please — and perhaps give you a bit of a pause. “What is this?” you will find yourself asking with that first sip. Vogue Cocktails will have you asking questions and giving you answers, all in sublime spirit.
You’ll probably need to buy champagne. And you may develop a fondness, a nostalgia, for the 1930s. A Golden Age indeed.