Key Turnings: Apothecary Part VIII

If your puzzle is wearing a sock it can only mean one thing ...

Stephen Chin puzzles often carry a few of his hallmarks, including tiny electronic lights and sounds which are triggered when the puzzle has been solved.  He is also quite fond of whistles and spinning tops.  And his puzzles are often wrapped up in a cute sock.  Odd?  Well, at least now you know where all your mismatched socks have gone.  Exploring his “Spinnomotto” puzzle from the Apothecary Chest reveals that all of his favorite idiosyncrasies are in attendance.  The sock is obvious.  The little rod turns out to be a whistle, which fits into the lid to make a spinning top.  And the cylinder is indeed a puzzle box, with a clever mechanism keeping it quiet.  Until you discover how to open it, at which point tiny lights and electronic music ensue.  Which make you smile, despite how annoying it is!  Chin’s spin on the puzzle chest is a welcome change of pace and as endearing as all of his work.

Spinnomotto by Stephen Chin

I’m toasting the Spinnomotto with another great spin, the “Spin Move” cocktail from Houston native, Speed Rack Champion and LA Rising Star Bartender Yael Vengroff.  She tapped into her experiences in Mumbai, India for this one with the addition of green cardamom pods, which add an exotic, warm spice to the drink.  Based with a mix of blended scotch and cognac, this sour is sweetened with elderflower liqueur and the resulting combination will make your head spin.  It’s a delicious drink for a delightful box.  Here’s to the fantastic twists that unlock the mysteries in life.  Cheers!

Spin Move by Yael Vengroff

3 green cardamom pods

3⁄4 oz scotch blend (org. Dewar’s White Label)

3⁄4 oz cognac (orig. D’USSÉ)

3⁄4 oz lemon

1⁄2 oz simple syrup

1⁄2 oz elderflower liqueur (org. St-Germain)

1 dash Angostura bitters

Shake ingredients together with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with a lime top and take it for a spin.

These two are the tops!