5 Beverages for Braving the Ides of March

What would Julius drink?
by Polly Math on Mar 10, 2014 in Culture
5 Beverages for Braving the Ides of March

Unlike a visit from Aunt Irma, the Ides of March, or simply March 15th, is not inherently the worst time of the month, but thanks to The Bard, we will forever anticipate it with dread. Most of us can credit Billy the Shakes for our introduction to the Roman calendar, where in his play Julius Caesar, the Roman leader was forewarned of the day of his impending assassination.

What if you knew you were going to be on the mortal end of betrayal? Ever say, “I could really use a drink?” If it was 100 BCE – 44 BCE, like your fellow countrymen, you would have reached for wine, but what would you drink today to give you courage, or at least, lessen the pain? We’ve got five cocktails from which you can choose, even if you’re not feeling lucky.

Il Et Tu, Brut
Adapted From Country Living

According to Chinese tradition, the color red has auspicious value. Drink this sweet-tart champagne cocktail to restore balance.

Ingredients (serves 8):
3 blood oranges, halved and juiced
1/2 cup red cherries, pitted
1/2 cup sweet vermouth
1/4 cup blended Scotch
1 bottle Brut, chilled
Peel of 1/2 orange, cut into 8 thin strips, for garnish

Directions:
Transfer orange juice to a blender.
Add cherries and blend until fruit is pureed.
Strain juice into a pitcher. Stir in vermouth and Scotch.
Divide cocktail mixture among 8 glasses and top off each with about 1/3 cup Brut.
Garnish with orange peels.

Fortunate Twist
From Examiner.com

Turn your luck around with this.

Ingredients (serves 1):
2 oz Citrus vodka
1 oz Cranberry juice
½ oz Fresh lemon juice
¼ oz “Hey Shuga!”

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously.
Strain liquid into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or maraschino cherry.

Lucky Deduction
From Croft Port, found on About.com

Drink this to help you figure it all out.

Ingredients (serves 1):
1 oz Camus VSOP Cognac
2 oz Croft Pink Port
Splash of orange juice
Orange wedge for garnish

Directions:
Build the ingredients in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
Stir well.
Garnish with an orange wedge.

Lucky 13
Adapted from Bramble Bar, found on Gintime

In the Roman calendar, the ides fell on the 15th day of March, May, July and October; but on the 13th in the other months, so...

Ingredients (Serves 5):
4½ oz Hendricks Gin
4½ oz hard apple cider
4½ oz fresh pumpkin puree
4½ oz pressed apple juice
4½ oz vanilla sugar syrup (to taste)
1 Bouquet garni (1 cinnamon stick, 1 clove, 1 star anise, 2 pressed juniper berries, 1 pressed cardamom pod tied into cheesecloth.)
Bitters
Ginger snaps

Directions:
Bring all ingredients to simmer until hot through and leave on the stovetop for approximately 20 minutes.
Serve warm in a your finest teacup or luckiest coffee mug.
Garnish with 3 drops bitters and a ginger snap.

The Tribute
Adapted from Cosmopolitan

Perhaps someone will stand in the line of fire for you. If not, then may the odds be ever in your favor.

Ingredients (serves 1):
1 oz coconut flavored liquor
⅔ oz Rum
1⅓ oz pineapple juice
½ oz lime juice
4 blackberries
Splash of simple syrup (1 part hot water, 1 part sugar)

Directions:
Add all ingredients to a glass filled with ice and stir.

 

Photo: Flickr user Hilverd Reker


Tags: Cocktails, Holiday
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close