Today the temperature reached 17 degrees outside. I miss the warm weather already.

I went to PDT 3 years ago but didn’t get a chance to try this drink. Clearly I missed out because this drink is incredible. Definitely has similar taste profile to a Mimosa, but the cucumber and cognac bring it to different level. Simple and refreshing, the ginger beer expands that freshness into a cacophony of beautiful sweet flavor. 10,000/10 an absolute winner

But back to the real flavor- Malort. For the first time since I started drinking, I shuddered as I drank. Maybe my brain was subconsciously fearing the bombastic, vile flavors of flaming gasoline would taint my heavenly French Maid experience. Sadly the flavor evolved into an alpine flavor with no pine notes. Like tasting a toothpick whole simultaneously having a splinter in my mouth, there is something good about this combo of drink. Upon adding a sip of French maid to the Malort I instantly regretted tainting such a wonderful thing. 6/10 hell hath frozen over

French Maid

1 1/2 oz Cognac (Pierre Ferrand) 3/4 oz lime 3/4 oz simple 1/5 oz Velvet Falernum (John D Taylor) 4 slices of Cucumber 8 Mint Leaves 1 1/2 oz Ginger Beer (Bundaberg)

Middle cucumber in shaking tin. Add remaining ingredients minus Ginger Beer and shake vigorously. Double strain into a collins glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with mint and cucumber.