Here’s a classic – included in Lucius Beebe’s 1946 Stork Club Bar Book – that combines both of my favorite cocktail bases – gin and brandy. I had never done that before I discovered this drink, but I’m really glad I did.
Add lime juice, simple syrup, and a brandied cherry, and you’ve got a winner! A delightful year-round libation, warming in cool weather and refreshing when it’s hot. A little spicy, a little sweet, totally lovely!
And could there possibly be a better name for a cocktail? The phrase “stay up late” evokes all the delicious charms of sophisticated sipping – even though it doesn’t help much in my case. I still toddle off to bed at 10:00 or before. But after downing a Stay Up Late or two, I know I’m going to sleep peacefully.
Warning: Some recipes call for serving over ice in a highball glass and topping off with club soda. Do not do this! It waters everything down and spoils the effect.
Stay Up Late
- 1.5 ounce gin
- .5 ounce brandy
- .75 ounce lime juice
- .75 ounce simple syrup
- Combine the ingredients, shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Toss in a brandied cherry for color and class.
About cherries: Bright red maraschinos are fine for a Manhattan, but this drink requires something a little more subtle and less sweet. I’m using Bada Bing brand bing cherries which I sometimes soak in cherry brandy, though that’s not really necessary. Regardless of what kind you use, always use stem-on, please. It looks so much better, and when the drink is finished you can grab it by the stem and pop it in your mouth.