Here’s a toast to Wedlock, with similarly bespoke paired potions from San Francisco bartender and spirits writer Erik Ellestad. Erik embarked on his cocktail journey almost twenty years ago with an ambitious project, to make and make his way through every drink in the classic prohibition era Savoy Cocktail Book compiled by bar legend Harry Craddock. I’m also a fan of that book, which served as the inspiration for my own series of homage cocktails. Erik documented his journey, “Julie and Julia” style, on his blog Savoy Stomp.

Erik was approached for a 2010 issue of Imbibe magazine to provide some drinks and he sent these recipes for two unnamed cocktails, “one I preferred and one my wife preferred. I think they picked the name. I leave it to you to deduce which appealed to which sex.”  Imbibe chose to publish the genever version, calling it a “delicately nuanced sipper” and dubbing it the “Matrimony”. Erike shared the more complete version of the story with me, which is far more satisfying. You definitely can’t have a successful marriage by yourself! These are clearly his and hers versions of the same cocktail, although like any two people, they are indivudally fascinating and completely different. The base spirits speak to each personality, while the choice of vermouths reflect the balancing forces inside us all that are specific to our main identity. The sweetener, in this case a walnut liqueur, ties the pairs together with a commitment they will always share. Cheers!

Matrimony Cocktails by Erik Ellestad

1 ½ oz Bols genever

¾ oz dry vermouth (Noilly Pratt)

¾ oz nocino

Stir, strain, lemon peel

1 ½ oz rye heavy bourbon (eg Bulleit)

¾ oz Punt e Mes

¾ oz nocino

Stir, strain, lemon peel

explore more: