The Periodista, or “The Journalist” cocktail harkens back to a recipe in Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book and is originally cribbed as a Gin-based libation. Borrowing elements from the “perfect” Martini, the Craddock recipe combines sweet and dry Vermouth to create balance and mid-palate weight. A touch of Curaçao suggests an exotic, faraway island, perhaps Cuba. Refreshing and contemplative, the drink is an alluring treat.

Somewhere along the way, when the drink arrived in Boston, the recipe had changed. Instead of Gin, one finds Dark Rum (preferably Medford Rum, which is thick with Molasses richness) as the main player. The Vermouths were replaced with Apricot Liqueur, and instead of Lemon Juice, one finds a spritz of Lime. The Boston version is gutsier and a little rougher around the edges, like Boston itself during the ‘20’s and ‘30’s. Despite the roughness, the cocktail is quite tasty, redolent with syrupy molasses and juicy apricot. So, if you want to travel to the islands by way of Beantown, then by all means, mix up a Periodista Cocktail and go for a ride!

My friends, I offer you The Periodista Cocktail:

1 ½ ounces Dark Rum (Medford or Goslings)
½ ounce triple sec (Cointreau)
½ ounce apricot liqueur
½ ounce lime juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker three-quarters filled with ice. Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe.

Cin-Cin!