Floradora

About a month ago I did a post on a lovely little cocktail called the Rob Roy. This cocktail was created during the time when cocktails were named after Broadway shows. Yes, believe it or not this was not a one-off. There were actually several cocktails named after musical hits. That idea intrigued me. So, being the musical theater lover that I am, I looked into other Broadway cocktails and discovered the Floradora.

Unlike the Rob Roy, which is a much stiffer, more masculine drink, this cocktail is all girl. I mean, it’s even pink. But that’s okay because the color fits its namesake. See, the musical, from 1900, (and later the movie) revolves around a perfume company and the girl who’s trying to get it back from the evil man who swindled it away from her father. Don’t let the color or name fool you though, this cocktail has some punch. That punch is thanks to 2, yes 2, full ounces of gin. Then you can either mix it the way it was made originally with raspberry syrup, or you can add another kick by using a raspberry flavored liquor like Chambord.

While the cocktail was created to commemorate this monster hit of a musical, no one can remember who created it. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a popular drink. During the height of its popularity, the Floradora could be found on every bar menu from Broadway to Brooklyn. It was even spied being slung across the bar at the Waldorf-Astoria. Sure, you’ll probably get blank stares if you request a Floradora from your local bartender today, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try and sip this wonderfully refreshing drink. The temperature’s rising and on a hot summer’s day, it’s the perfect way to end or start the show.

Floradora

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. raspberry syrup
• Ginger ale

Directions:

1. Mix together the gin, lime juice and raspberry syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for one minute. Strain into a high ball glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale and serve.