You may know your grandma as that sweet old lady who likes to give you hard candy when you visit her house, but she probably used to be a pretty cool broad. Heck, she probably is still a cool broad, but she just puts an act on while you’re around because she wants to set a good example. Grandmas are good like that.
You may be wondering why we’re so obsessed with grandmas – it’s because today, July 23rd, is known as “Gorgeous Grandma Day.” It’s just meant to celebrate happy, vibrant grandmas, who totally deserve a little recognition. As our own little toast to grannies across the nation, here are three cocktails your grandma may have enjoyed when she was younger.
Sherry Flip
Sherry was pretty popular back in the day, but eventually developed a reputation as a “grandma” liquor. Well, sherry has found its way back to the cool kids club in recent years and suddenly your grandma’s favorite booze is hip again.
- In a cocktail shaker (no ice), add the following ingredients: 2 oz. Sherry (go for a richer style, like a cream sherry), 2 Tbsp. white granulated sugar, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, and 1 whole egg. Shake for 10 seconds.
- Uncap the shaker and fill it up with ice. Cap the shaker and shake vigorously at least another 10 seconds.
- Strain into your glass of choice (no ice). Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg.
Sloe Gin Fizz
Sloe gin is from the UK and it’s made from sloe berries, which are little dime-sized berries that don’t taste great. They make a great gin, though. Your grandma was undoubtedly throwing back a sloe gin fizz or two in her heyday.
- In a cocktail shaker filled half-way with ice, add 1 oz. sloe gin, 1 oz. regular gin, 1/2 oz. lemon juice, and 1 tsp. simple syrup. Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Taste, then adjust with additional lemon or simple syrup/sugar. Shake.
- Strain cocktail into a glass filled with ice, then top it with club soda and garnish with lemon wedge.
French 75
The classic French 75 is sort of similar to the sloe gin fizz, so we wanted to hook you up with another version that provides a more modern twist: the blueberry French 75. It’s different enough from the original to be unique, but similar enough that granny would definitely approve.
- In a large wide mouth glass, muddle 12-15 blueberries just enough to make them juicy without turning them to mush. Add the juice from half of a lemon, 1 oz. gin, and a handful of ice. Stir or shake gently.
- Add 3 oz. sparkling wine and then pour the whole thing into a champagne glass or a highball glass.