Wednesday, March 18, 2026

the mental demands of modern life

1 1/2 oz Altos Reposado Tequila (Cimarron)
1/2 oz Pedro Ximenez Sherry (Lustau)
1/2 oz Cocchi Sweet Vermouth (Alessio)
3/8 oz Fernet Branca
3/8 oz Giffard Crème de Banane (Tempus Fugit)
2 dash Regan's Orange Bitters (Angostura Orange)
1 dash Angostura Bitters

Stir with ice, strain into an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube, and garnish with an orange twist.
Two Wednesdays ago, I returned to the online recipe flashcards for the Patterson House in Nashville, and The Mental Demands of Modern Life called out to me especially since I had just replaced my bottle of Pedro Ximenez. A 2022 StarChefs article attributed the drink to bartender Sam McCullough. While the aged spirit, banana, and Fernet trio makes me think of the Away Colors, the closest drink that I have tried is a mezcal with vermouth version called Dead in the Water, and I created a gin with vermouth Hanky Panky riff called Monkey Business. The Mental Demands of Modern Life in the glass evolved an orange, raisin, and menthol aroma. Next, grape and caramel notes on the sip unloaded vegetal agave, cooked banana, raisin, gentian bitter, and menthol flavors on the swallow.
posted by frederic at 8:00 AM
ingredients: , , , , , ,

1 comment:

thebarrelage said...

you changed my life. You continue to do so. you say next to me at a place called Geronimo's in New Haven and went about the business of what I colloquially call telling me a couple 'r 3 tings. I asked you what's it like to work in a city where you dont have to stock vodka and you get to make only esoteric drinks. your answer? "I dont know. that is not the way it is in Boston." Since that day, I have rendered unto the multitude and served the cocktail gods with equal vigor. Thank you.

March 19, 2026 at 8:41 AM

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