Cheers to the frickin’ weekend! It’s been a good but busy week and I’m ready to unwind this weekend. By unwind, I mean try to make my closet more functional so the clothing rod doesn’t collapse under the weight of my wardrobe, pick up a dresser, nightstands and bedside lamps, go to Etsy Made in Canada, and blog.
Okay, I’m tired just thinking of everything I want to accomplish. Here’s my problem, I’m obsessively goal-oriented. On my first week in my new job we had a team retreat in Montreal and a coach did a strengths profile.
I was a “red” – meaning I’m very results-oriented. This is what will make me good at my job as a business development manager but can sometimes lead to frustration in my personal life when I can’t achieve my goals as quickly as I’d like.
It also means that I can come off like a bit of an authoritarian, especially for others who are people or process-oriented. I try to keep it in check so I don’t irritate or alienate my friends and colleagues but it can get the better of me when progress is stalling out and my desired results feel out of reach.
I know I just moved into this new condo but I want it to be exactly the way I want it, like, yesterday. Patience isn’t my best virtue.
Given that I have a limited capacity as a handyman, I rely heavily on the benevolence and talents of my friends. Everyone who chips in is paid out in gourmet dinners, craft cocktails and the immeasurable pleasure of my company (when I’m not being a tyrant).
I’ll probably serve up this Fernet Fantasy to whoever next does me a favour. I’m really happy with how this drink turned out. The flavour profile is somewhere between vanilla and cherry Coke. The Fernet adds a healthy dose of bitter, herbal flavour that keeps the drink from being too sweet with the combination of Coca Cola and demerara syrup. The Peychaud’s helps in that regard too.
When I was in high school, I used to drink like three Cokes a day and then realized that probably wasn’t great for my health or my pubescent skin. I swore it off entirely in Grade 11 and haven’t had it since. I made an exception for this cocktail because one of my friends brought over the charming glass bottle version with pizza for my move-in painting party.
This cocktail makes the return to Coke worthwhile. I promise. Wishing you all an awesome autumnal weekend!
Fernet Fantasy
- 1 oz rye
- ½ oz demerara syrup
- ½ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ oz Fernet Branca
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 2 oz Coca Cola
- 2 cherries, for garnish
- 1 slice lemon peel, for garnish
- ½ cup demerara sugar
- ½ cup water
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Add all ingredients except for Coca Cola and garnish into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into ice-filled rocks glass. Skewer cherry, rolled up lemon peel, and second cherry with a cocktail pick. Place on top of the glass. Serve.
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Combine demerara sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir over heat until sugar is dissolved. Let cool to room temperature before using. Demerara syrup will keep in airtight container the fridge for up to two weeks.
