“It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish.” – J. R.R.Tolkien

Luckily we have started, and just need one more item to complete this celebration – a special cocktail, of course.  Don’t doubt for a moment that there are more Lord of the Rings cocktail creations out there to choose from than you could ever drink – maybe a hobbit could, but now is the age of men and women.  Perhaps a pint of Barlimans Best ale, a barrel of Lake-town’s finest wine or a flagon of Dwarvish mead might hit the spot?  I’ve put together something slightly more sinister and integrally linked to the One Ring, based on the classic Americano cocktail.  In the late 1800’s in Milan, Gaspare Campari, the creator of the celebrated vibrant Italian aperitif, served a combination of his namesake Campari with sweet vermouth from Torino.  The “Milano-Torino” cocktail was such a huge hit with American tourists that in the 1920’s the drink was renamed the “Americano”.  James Bond even ordered one in his debut Casino Royale, before a different drink took his fancy. I’ve created a special version using a saffron-infused Cocchi Aperitivo Americano (a fortified Moscato wine flavored with cinchona, citrus, spices and botanicals) and a saffron-infused ice sphere for extra effect.  The resulting “Eye of Saffron” cocktail, reminiscent of the Eye of Sauron, might just lure you in, too – you won’t be able to take your eye off it until it consumes your soul.  Or you consume it, one of those, anyway.

Americano with a saffron-infused vermouth

100 boxes and 100 cocktails - it’s a satisfying milestone.  I am thankful for everyone who has taken the time to read my writings. I’m afraid there’s plenty more to go, so perhaps you will stay with me on the continued journey forward.  I hope so!  In fellowship and friendship, this One’s for you.  Cheers.

“Home is behind, the world ahead,

and there are many paths to tread

through shadows to the edge of night,

until the stars are all alight.”

-

J.R.R.Tolkien

The Eye of Saffron

The Eye of Saffron

1 ½ oz Campari

1 ½ oz saffron-infused Cocchi Americano

Club soda

Saffron ice ball

Combine the Campari and Cocchi in a mixing glass and stir well with ice. Strain into a glass containing the special ice ball, top with club soda and enjoy.  Ring of power optional.