'Mad Men' and Don Draper's old fashioned: Finding the cocktail on LI
16. Don Draper: Jon Hamm's "Mad Men" portrait-in-black of a corrupt, swilling, womanizing adman. Credit: AP
The mixology of "Mad Men" takes in the Gibson and the Gimlet, the Manhattan and the screwdriver, the whiskey sour and the Tom Collins.
But the drink you most often envision Don Draper making and downing is an Old Fashioned.
It's a classic cocktail, one that lent its name to a specific glass. The drink is traditionally made with rye, but now just as often with bourbon.
The "Mr. Boston Platinum Edition" recipe calls for muddling a sugar cube, a dash of bitters, and a teaspoon of water, after which you add two ounces of rye or bourbon and stir. Finish with a twist of lemon peel and ice cubes before garnishing with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.
Of course, serve it with a swizzle stick.
Here are three establishments where you may contentedly try one.
The Brass Rail, 107 Forest Ave., Locust Valley; 516-723-9103. Go for the drink and for the 1880s bar itself. Very good gastropub, too.
Honu Kitchen & Cocktails, 363 New York Ave., Huntington; 631-421-6900. Many fine beverages are concocted here. Also, a dependable restaurant.
Garden City Hotel, 45 Seventh Ave., Garden City; 516-747-3000. Head for the Polo Lounge or the patio bar. And the Polo Steakhouse is Long Island's newest venue for the carnivorous.
