| Those who are put off by the often
potent stink of martinis may enjoy the Alfama Martini, as the white port
and twist rub away the alcohol ester and and leave you with a cool tasty
drink that will get you loopy in a hurry.
Next up- the Bairro Alto.
Close your eyes and imagine a luscious margarita. Not difficult with
the summer heat these days, eh? Keep 'em closed. Now imagine
this margarita is shaken. That's right, not on the rocks, not frozen.
Pour the ingredients into a stainless steel shaker over a couple of ice
cubes, cover, shake, and pour into a saltless martini glass. It isn't
just the shaking, the martini glass, and the saltless rim that makes this
an unusual margarita. It's the tiniest splash of Blackberry liqueur
that gives the Bairro Alto it's signature. The Blackberry liqueur
takes the edge off the Jose Cuervo Gold and is a nice compliment to the
Triple Sec, Rose's lime juice, and that splash of sour mix. What
you'll end up with is a beautiful cascading sunset in a glass and an exceptional
experience in your mouth. Enjoy as a pre-dinner drink.
Last on the list this month- the
Fado
Stinger. Contents? The menu sayeth, "1920 Brand, fine Portuguese
brandy and creme de menthe served over ice." The ingredients are
so interesting that this was a must just to see if they really work together.
What I expected was a green concoction in a small apertif glass.
Instead I was served what looked like a whiskey on the rocks in an appropriate
masculine tumbler. This sipping drink turned out to be fabulous.
The taste is reminiscent of some European bitters, but it is sweet enough
for an American, bitter-virgin tongue and the girthy glass they serve it
in just screams cool.
(Alfama,
fine Portuguese cuisine is located at 551 Hudson Street, corner of Perry
Street. Tel: 212/645-2500)
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