Well hello and happy Monday, dear readers!

We certainly hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and that you celebrated the official start of summer with a drink or five!

But now it is time to get back to work and get serious with a brand new original cocktail, so may we humbly introduce you to the saucy minx that is the Tom Cat.

You may remember that a few weeks ago we did a spotlight on Old Tom Gin, but if not, here is a quick refresher:

Old Tom Gin is a softer, smoother, and sweeter tasting gin than our modern “dry” versions, with a stronger botanical taste and more sugar. It was initially produced in England in the early 1800s, and was famously linked to large wooden cat structures that served as primitive vending machines, dolling out sips of the stuff to the British masses. 

Old Tom Gin is still around today, mostly produced by Hayman’s. We are very big fans, and suggest that even the non-gin drinkers out there give it a try, as it is very different than the gin you are acquainted with.

We’ve been clamoring to make some new cocktails with it, and that is where today’s drink comes in! Using Old Tom as its base, the Tom Cat combines botanical flavors with a bit of sweet fruit tones to create a sophisticated and complex cocktail–and don’t let its color fool you, this baby packs a punch.

For the Tom Cat, you will need:

• 2 dashes orange flavored bitters
• 1 1/2 oz Old Tom gin
• 1/2 oz Aperol
• 1/2 oz Luxardo cherry liqueur
• maraschino cherry, for garnish

Gather all of your ingredients plus your jiggers, cocktail shaker, and serving glass (preferably a coupe).

First, place your bitters directly into the bottom of your shaker glass. Remember to hold the bottle vertically directly over the glass–each shake is one dash.

Next, add in your 1 1/2 oz (modern shot) of Old Tom.

Now add in your 1/2 oz of Aperol and 1/2 oz of Luxardo.

Now fill your shaker tin 2/3 full of ice, pour your ingredients in, and shake (it like a polaroid picture) for 30-60 seconds. Your shaker should be icy when you have finished shaking.

Now strain that puppy into your glass.

Add your cherry, and bam! You’re ready to go!

Now sit back, relax, and imagine you are in a Jane Austen novel.

Cheers!