What better way to celebrate the holidays, thought I, than a Night O’ the Comet cocktail? On the recommendation of Ms. Nicola Wolf, I made my way to Sylvain restaurant and bar, in the French Quarter, where the talented and agreeable Darrin Ylisto, bartender extraordinaire, with the help of Lucy Weed, also extraordinaire, whipped up a couple of speciality cocktails.
“See this book cover here,” said I, presenting a reproduction of the cover of my new novel, THE NIGHT OF THE COMET. “Can you do a cocktail like that?”
Darrin frowned. He scratched his chin. Inspired, he recollected a quote attributed to Dom Perignon upon first tasting champagne. “Come quickly!” said Dom. “I am drinking stars!”
Darrin’s Comet Cocktail No. 1 began with Prosecco sparkling wine. To this was added a sugar cube liberally doused with creme de violet, then a lemon twist, and perhaps some other things that I missed.
The cocktail was delish. “But wait!” said Darrin. “I can do better!”
Darrin’s Comet Cocktail No. 2 began with egg whites, which is always a good way to begin a cocktail.
Next came Aviation Gin, then, I think, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, then lemon juice, and then plenty of creme de violet. He shook the hell out of it.
Shake-a shake-a shake-a shake . . .
Lucky carved up a lemon peel, and voila!
Here are Darrin and Lucy, a little blurry after a few drinks. Merci beaucoup, Darrin and Lucy! Joyeaux Noel!
