The Millionaire
These pictures have got to get better. It’s bad enough that this drink looks like bad fruit punch but it’s out of focus as well. Oh well, at least it was delicious.
This drink recipe comes from the Ted Haigh book Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails in which he notes is one of several variations on the exact same drink. Corpse Reviver #2 anyone? Apparently it was fashionable just to change the number when more or less of an ingredient was adjusted from the original recipe. Then it was fashionable to just change the name. Gibson anyone? Regardless, Mr. Haigh has done the cocktail world a service by changing the original recipe which was completely out of balance into one that is harmonious and wonderful. Here’s the recipe:
The Millionaire
1 1/2 oz Myer’s Original Dark Rum
3/4 oz sloe gin
3/4 oz apricot brandy (technically a liqueur – try Marie Brizzard)
1 to 1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with lime wedge.
The original called for equal parts rum, sloe gin, and apricot brandy along with a dash of grenadine. I think Mr. Haigh was right in declaring the original too sweet. With sloe gin (sweet) and apricot liqueur (sweet) and grenadine (sweet) there really isn’t any other outcome that could occur. The lime and rum would definitely get lost.
However, with Mr. Haigh’s tweaks to the original The Millionaire becomes more than the sum of it’s parts with each blending well together. Honestly, I thought that it was reminiscent of a Jack Rose but I think that was the lime and sloe gin (sweet). For me, the rum hit first followed by the sloe gin and apricot. The tartness of the lime follows everything else providing for a satisfying sip. It even got better as the drink warmed up and the flavors released a little more.
This really shouldn’t be a version of The Millionaire, it should just replace it.
I’d like to officially put in a request for this the next time we’re together. It sounds delicious!