I always love going to the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York to sip an artisanal cocktail at Peacock Alley and think about all the celebrities, presidents and dignitaries that have come to this historic property for more than 100 years.
So when I was invited to come for a sneak peek ( and taste) of some of the special cocktails highlighted in bar manager Frank Caiafa’s new Waldorf Astoria Bar Book I thought this sounded like ideal ‘Travel Therapy”!
What I love is this is the first update of a Waldorf Astoria cocktail book since 1934, celebrating the history of this special property through signature cocktails.
This new Waldorf Astoria Bar Book (A Penguin Books Hardcover Original) has a cool vintage vibe and includes recipes anyone can make so it’s an ideal gift to give your favorite mixologist or want-to-be cocktail creator.
Caiafa told me he was inspired to create this new cocktail book for the Waldorf making the recipes easy to follow so anyone can make their own special cocktails at home.
At the book launch party I tried several of the cocktails from the book with two of my favorites being the Robert Burns, a solid whisky drink that packs a punch, and for a lighter summer drink, The Peacock, using cranberry-infused vodka.
Feeling thirsty yet? Here’s the recipe for The Peacock thanks to Caiafa and the Waldorf Astoria New York.
THE PEACOCK (2016 Version)
2 oz Cranberry-Infused Vodka ( recipe follows)
1/2 oz Marie Blizard Apry Apricot Liquer
1 0z Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 egg white
INSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients to mixing glass and dry-shake for five seconds. Add ice and shake well. Fine-strain into chilled cocktail glass. Twist lemon peel to release oils then discard. Garnish with dried apricot ( optional).
Recipe for Cranberry-Infused Vodka
Place 2 c. fresh ( or frozen) cranberries in airtight glass container. Add 32 oz of vodka. Seal and let rest of at least one week. Fine-strain and funned back into a bottle.
After you make your drink you can share your creation at #WaldorfBarBook.
To get your own copy of the new Waldorf Astoria Bar Book please visit Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria New York, or purchase online at www.shopwaldorfastoria.com or visit a participating book store.
Cheers!
