BARS: I love you, Grape Smash (an ode to the perfect cocktail)

Last night, I made a bold statement. Maybe even the bold statement to end all bold statements. “This is the best cocktail I’ve ever had.”

To clarify, I’ve been on a bit of a hunt for a new drink, a new taste. There’s only so much vodka and soda one can drink, and only so many occasions suited to ordering a glass of Shiraz at a bar.

Yesterday, after work, I found myself at the stunning and spot-on representation of classic New York The Campbell Apartment at Grand Central. Not wanting vodka, beer or wine, I checked out the full cocktail menu. I thought about trying the Prohibition Punch, but  felt a little odd about having my date spend $16 on a drink, so I ordered a Grape Smash instead (when it comes to thriftiness, $13.50 is so much better…), as the ingredients looked downright  bewitching. As an aside, I’ve always been into drinks that manage to incorporate grapes.

The older, tuxedoed bartender impressively mixed it up in under ten seconds and there, in the midst of commuters, tourists and suited-up Masters of the Universe, I took my first sip of perfection. Otherwise known as muddled grapes, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters, Rhum Clement Premiere Canne, club soda and the kicker: Absinthe.

“Try not to hallucinate,” my date said, and though the effects of the absinthe were minimal , the illusive, almost spicy taste was ever-present, as was the muted sweetness of fresh grapes. In fact, I heard myself using words to describe the drink that, if I’d heard others use, I would have laughed them out of the bar: layered, textured, complex, refreshing. Well, it was.

I was sad when I drained the last sip from my small snifter, but happy because I could now answer with authority should someone inquire as to what my drink of choice might be.  

Ah, but like many pleasures in life, a downside does exist. Try to picture me strolling into my local dive, sidling up to the bar and saying something like, “Yes, I’d like muddled grapes, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters, Rhum Clement Premiere Canne, soda and a dash of absinthe, please” Talk about getting laughed out of the bar.

So, until the next time I visit the lovely Campbell Apartment, it appears that vodka and soda is here to stay. As is the memory of my first Grape Smash.  - Perrie Samotin