English born Harry Craddock was one of the most important bartenders in the history of the cocktail. He was trained in America until prohibition sent him packing to the London and the Savoy Hotel. There he proceeded to write one the most important cocktail tomes, The Savoy Cocktail Book. Written in 1930 and containing well over 750 recipes, the book is a classic, still in print today.

Within the covers of The Savoy, are numerous, delicious libations, such as The Star Cocktail. Simple and yet a wonderful aperitif, with subtle apple overtones and a crisp, refreshing palate. Perfect for a Fall evening.

The Star Cocktail:

2 oz Calvados

2 oz Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Bitters (Bittermen’s Boston)

Shake with ice, strain and garnish with an olive.

Cin-Cin!

According to Difford’s Guide, 365 Days of Cocktails, today is International Dot Day. As the story goes, in 2009, a teacher named Terry Shay introduced her class to Peter H. Reynold’s curious story The Dot. In it, a teacher starts a young girl on a journey of self-discovery by asking her to place a dot on a piece of paper. The exercise offers the girl encouragement in her own abilities and launches Vashti on life’s adventure.

In commemoration, what better libation than the Classic Martini, adorned with its own “dot,” a splash of Absinthe.

The juxtaposition of Dry Vermouth to Anise causes a raised eyebrow… and a little bit more…

Cin-Cin!