Or, saying more nice things about vodka. (See the post on the Gypsy Cocktail.)

One of the very first really great cocktail books I picked up about 10 years ago was Paul Harrington’s Cocktail: The Drinks Bible for the 21st Century. In it is an original of his which he called “The Drink Without A Name,” renamed by Robert Hess as The Harrington Cocktail (a much better name, I think). It’s almost entirely vodka, with small amounts of two liqueurs to provide subtle but pronounced flavors. It’s very good (but because I can’t help it I’ve made it with gin, and it’s really good with that too, especially with Hayman’s Old Tom).

I’ve increased the recipe from the way Paul and Robert usually give it, because I like a slightly larger drink, plus it’s easier for me to measure. By “barspoon” I mean professional barspoon measures, which is one teaspoon.

The Harrington Cocktail

2 ounces vodka.
2 barspoons Cointreau.
1 barspoon green Chartreuse.

Combine with ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.