2008_07_16-jacobinCocktail.jpgTuesday is Bastille Day - or le quatorze juillet (14th July), as it's often more expediently known in modern France.

In honor of the occasion, a friend asked me if I could design a cocktail and call it The Jacobin after the powerful French Revolution-era club. She wanted it to be something strong - and tinged with red.

Here's what I came up with...

Using an old-time American cocktail, the Bronx (gin, red vermouth, white vermouth, orange juice), as a basic template, I made a few adjustments. I changed the proportions of the recipe slightly, amping up the gin a little from the formula I'd been using and subbing in blood orange juice for the regular stuff in order to give the drink a crimson tinge. I also suggested using all French brands for the liquor - but of course this is just for thematic effect.

The Jacobin
makes one cocktail

1 1/2 ounces gin (Citadelle)
1/2 ounce red vermouth (Noilly Prat)
1/2 ounce white vermouth (Noilly Prat)
1/2 ounce blood orange juice
optional garnish: orange twist laced through a sword-shaped cocktail skewer

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

SOME OTHER IDEAS
If you're looking for other Bastille Day beverage ideas, here are a few French-themed drinks from our archives:

Are you planning anything for Bastille Day this year?

Related: How to Create Your Own Cocktail Recipes

(Image: Nora Maynard)

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