Reformed Cynic

The Cocktails of Mad Men Weeks 8 & 9: Don Draper Meltdown in 3..2..1..

I was delayed in posting, and boy, am I glad! The "Wee Small Hours" and "The Color Blue" are, I think, the beginning of the cracks showing in Don Draper's carefully crafted sandcastle paradise.

First, what happens in the "Wee Small Hours"? Don brings his passions too close to home - does anyone else think that Miss Farrell is perhaps a little bit Psycho? In keeping with the dark theme of this episode - most of the action, I think, took place in darkened sets - I had a Periodista, which I can only describe as a Dark and Angry Goddess. She is made of Myer's Dark Rum, Cointreau, Apricot Brandy, and a hint of lime, and like all Dark Goddesses, is both powerful and sweet.

As it was Columbus Day weekend, and blissfully had Monday free to do as I wished, I decided on another drink from the non-classic cocktail menu. At a very informed hostess' recommendation, I had 'Murder, My Sweet', which tasted like liquid Chivers' Bitter Orange Marmalade - spicy, clove-studded, icy cold yet warmed me all over.

Next, on "Don Draper Meltdown Part II"/ "The Color Blue"/ or perhaps my favorite alternative title, "Stone Cold Busted!", I'm beginning to wonder if Don makes a run for it, would Miss Farrell come with him?  He seems quite affectionate with her, and I don't recall if he ever was so with Midge.. We also saw the uneffaced douchery  of Paul, and the best lines of the episode going to the silver-haired folk: first Bertram with his "Pile it on and lick it off" comment, and Mrs. Sterling Senior's entire scene!

Realizing that all of the drinks I have left are hard, hard liquor, I decided on perhaps the sweetest of the bunch, the Sazerac:

A potent mixture of Whisky, Bitters, Pastis (which I looove), it was strong but with a top note of sweetness, like an old-fashioned Southern gentleman. Ladies (and gents who are so inclined), if you ever get to go out with one of these types, do - chivalry is not dead with them.. I let mine go, and more's the pity on that one.../Sigh.. Anyhow, back to the drink - he was so powerful that I couldn't take all of him, so I nursed him along after having half, and eventually had to finish off with some plain, garden-variety H20.

Coming up tonight:  Who will portray  "The Gypsy and the Hobo" - will this be return of Elliott from Belle Jolie, demanding Sal be rehired (I think Elliott made his debut in the Season 1 episode, "The Hobo Code"), and who could the Gypsy be? Our poor Joanie having to piece together an income doing whatever comes her way, perhaps..

The Cocktails of Mad Men Week 7: Plus ca change...

An interesting series of references to past events in this episode, and how, when presented with a situation from the past and given a chance to act differently, many people miss that opportunity - Pete Campbell, I'm talking to you. The parallel between his first nocturnal visit to Peggy in Bay Ridge and his preying on the hapless Gudrun was adeptly drawn - thanks, writers! I also enjoyed Betty in Fellini-esque getup in Rome; sometimes you can revisit your past and take some of that golden light back into wherever you are in your present.

I decided to stay with a Rum-based drink this evening, and had the saucily-named Between The Sheets. It's a combination of Bacardi, Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. A beautiful, warm hued drink that tastes like a Sidecar's Floridian cousin - tart, sweet, with more substance that you'd give her credit for based on her appearance and bright demeanor.

Here she is:

Up next: A few new additions to the cocktail menu for fall; I'll be sure to update on my progress through the drink list and any substitutions made. Also, what will be revealed in the "Wee Small Hours" - late night confessions and breakthroughs, anyone? Is this the week Betty finally gets that locked desk drawer open?

The Cocktails of Mad Men Week 6: Wicked Games

This was definitely an action packed episode, and based on the reaction of the crowd at Noir - applause at the end of the ep- probably the best (so far) this season. Don's instant karma catching up with him (his dressing down of Peggy and his subsequently being reined in by Bertram), Peggy's potentially dangerous rendez-vous with Duck, and Betty's flirting with infidelity all brought that Chris Isaak song to mind.

I had the Stardust this week, rum, Parfait Amour, and fresh lemon juice, with a sugared rim. Unfortunately, it looked a bit like bilge water, and was a little like a milder Mike's Hard Lemonade, something I don't particularly care for. I can't say that I really enjoyed the drink, but it wasn't horrible either.

I can understand/relate to Peggy's actions with Duck, however hotly debated it has been on TWOP - when you're used to being with boys, the opportunity to be with a man is very, very appealing. Of course, it remains to be seen if this will lead to her sacking at Sterling Coop.

Coming up: "Souvenir" - who will have the proverbial 'Remembrance of things Past'? We've been a bit Dick Whitman heavy, so who will be tortured by memories or new realizations this time?