We have another #TBThirsty that’s definitely a doozy. The best way to describe the influence of the Florodora cocktail, is comparing it to Sex and the City gang with its influence on the Cosmopolitan martini. These girls were hot in the 1900’s and all they wanted to sip was this cocktail right here.
I’m always floored at the knowledge and stories David Wondrich brings in the Imbibe Book. It’s absolutely incredible and must have taken many years to gather all this information together. So if I didn’t already say it enough, THANK YOU DAVID for bringing a bit of history and story-telling within the cocktail industry.
I’m always intrigued by cocktails I have NEVER heard about. The name itself left a huge question mark on my face and I had to learn more. As soon as I got engulfed in the story, I realized that this girls were no different to the many we see today.
Long story, short, a musical called Florodora made its way to New York’s Casino Theatre. It was a major hit, but not because of the songs or performances. Instead it was idolized for what it represented, which was the 6 beautiful women known as the ‘Florodora Sextette’.
The owner of the island Florodora had a daughter named Angela. Angela and her 6 friends would travel all around the globe, showing off their riches and ankles which was provocative stuff. One night, one of the Florodora Sextette members demanded the bartender to create her something new (can’t tell you how often a bartender is asked this). The result was this drink I’m featuring right here.
Now as I mentioned, bartenders are asked on a DAILY basis to create something new, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this was something already on the bartenders mind. Whether or not it was invented right at the moment, we will never know, but we do know that from then on, that’s all these ladies drank, and in turn what everyone else wanted to drink. I almost want to say that they were the top fashion bloggers of their time, and their influence was a game changer. Or just like Carrie Bradshaw and bringing back the Cosmopolitan martini. That’s what I picture when I think of this drink, and to be honest…I’d probably join them.
The recipe calls for Raspberry Syrup, a ton of fresh Lime, Plymouth Gin and the best gingerale you can find. For me, that translates to a DELICIOUS Ginger Beer which I can never get enough of. So did these girls have the right idea? They sure as hell did!
Florodora Cocktail
A classic recipe from David Wondrich’s Imbibe book – looking at the classic Florodora with Plymouth Gin, Raspberry, Lime and Ginger Beer
– Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 2 oz Plymouth Gin
- 1/2 oz Raspberry Syrup
- 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 1 oz Ginger Beer
Instructions
In a Julep Tin, place Raspberry Syrup on the bottom of the glass. Add Gin and Lime Juice. Fill with crushed ice.
Top with Ginger Beer. Garnish with Orange, Raspberry and Cherry Top!
