Moulin Rouge c. 1930

“Of course, one should not drink much, but often” – Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

For the toast, we don’t need to ponder about a pairing very hard, as it turns out there is a classic, if obscure, cocktail already, called the Moulin Rouge. The earliest record of it exists in Harry Craddock’s famous and swanky Art Deco offering from 1930, The Savoy Cocktail Book. The originator is unknown, so it can best be ascribed now to Craddock who set it down in print. It may well have existed a few decades earlier, perhaps even known to those original patrons of the dance hall. One of the main ingredients, “orange gin”, was no longer produced after a time, suggesting a likely explanation for the cocktails subsequent obscurity. But no matter, these details are elementary to today’s intrepid mixologists, who are just an orange peel away from such delicacies.

A few simple ingredients make a timeless classic

I’ve gotten to the point where I no longer rush out to procure a specific bottle of something unusual, such as orange gin (Tanqueray and Malfy make nice ones now), if I can simply make it myself. A little infusion of various orange peels, from sweet to bitter, and some spices, overnight, does the trick quite nicely. The other homemade ingredient which is an absolute must is grenadine, no matter how easy it seems to purchase. There is simply no substitute for homemade in this category, so you will only ever be getting close if you purchase something good. Grenadine, from the French word “grenade”, is pomegranate. It is not the bright red sugar syrup in a Shirley Temple. To make it properly at home, you need a pomegranate, some sugar, and if you want it really fancy, some pomegranate molasses and orange flower water. I use Jeff Morganthaler’s recipe, it is the best in the world. Try it, and you will never use anything else again. Here’s to homegrown inspiration, setting pencil to paper, and keeping up that can-can do attitude. Cheers!

I get a kick out of this pair

Moulin Rouge from The Savoy Cocktail Book c. 1930

1 ½ oz Apricot Brandy

¾ oz orange gin

¾ oz lemon juice

¼ oz homemade grenadine

Shake ingredients together with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Can-Can Garnish.

For Jeff Morganthaler’s grenadine recipe:

https://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/how-to-make-your-own-grenadine/