What will they think of next? (May edition)

The return to classic drinks, or at least some classic ingredients, is the hottest thing on the American cocktail scene this year. Here is a look at several examples.

• Audrey Sanders, who owns The Pegu Club in New York City's SoHo neighborhood, has a growing reputation among cocktailians. Not only does she provide imaginative, fresh ingredients for her lengthy line of drinks, she's picky about the size and density of her ice cubes (1.25-inch squares, frozen very hard to keep drinks from getting watery), and she provides a condiment set to patrons who can add a touch of sweet, citrus or aromatic flavors to their drinks.

Sanders is big on gins, which I've noted in previous stories are making a distinct comeback in American cocktail circles, with about 30 brands on hand. Here's one of her recipes:

Star Tested

2 ounces gin
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 oz. orange curaçao (or Cointreau if you omit bitters)
1 or 2 dashes orange or Angostura bitters

Put all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

• In Washington, D.C., the iconic McCormick & Schmick's recently introduced a Great American Cocktails menu that lists drinks by their years of creation. It also includes a brief history of each drink. A few examples:

1874 Manhattan: Gentleman Jack, sweet vermouth, Regan's No. 6 Orange and Angostura bitters.
Moscow Mule (1940s): Stolichnaya vodka, lime, ginger ale and soda.
Drambuie Fizz: Drambue Scotch liqueur with muddled limes, spiced honey, served over crushed ice.

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