Dowd on Drinks: Cocktails From the World of Show Biz




When a James Bond movie comes out, drinks writers immediately pounce on what 007 is drinking in his latest flick.

But classic plays and films rarely change their drinks menus despite many revivals.

A good example is “Guys and Dolls,” the classic musical comedy about gamblers and their gals that debuted on stage in 1950, was made into a movie in 1955, and since then has regularly returned to the stage.

The movie version of “Guys & Dolls,” by the immortal writer Damon Runyon, starred Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine. The latest Broadway revival opened Sunday (March 1), starring Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham as Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown.

In the play, they travel to Havana, Cuba, where Sarah orders a “Dulce de Leche” cocktail.

The folks at Bacardi Rum have jumped on this opportunity to remind consumers about the drink that now has survived more than a half-century. And, of course, they’d prefer it be made with their own products, even though you obviously can use the rum of your choice.

Here’s the recipe for a “Dulce de Leche”:

1 ounce Bacardi Superior Rum (or any good rum)

1/2 ounce Dark Godiva Liqueur (or any other dark chocolate liqueur)

1/2 ounce sweetened condensed milk

Shake all ingredients very well in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon and shaved chocolate.

Elsewhere, public relations agencies are always on the lookout for some current event that will help them sell their clients’ wares. So, it was no surprise when Catherine Pappas, representing 10 Cane Rum, sent me a list of Academy Award-themed cocktail recipes based on said rum.

In the interest of balance, I can’t print every recipe sent to me, but I did particularly like the one called “Benjamin’s Age Reverser,” referring, obviously, to “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” That’s the Brad Pitt film version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tale of a man born old who gets younger all the time.

The gimmick, besides the use of 10 Cane, is the inclusion of pomegranate juice, which researchers tell us is rich in anti-oxidants and, therefore, good for us.

Here’s the recipe:

2 ounces 10 Cane Rum

1 ounce pomegranate juice

3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Dash of simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and/or a lemon twist.

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