Taking our cue from The Thin Man

Our tip for starting the Winter off right: watch The Thin Man. Released in 1934 during the thick of the Great Depression, it introduced movie-goers to Dashiell Hammett's Nick and Nora Charles - unlikely detectives swathed in a world of decadence, glamour and... slapstick comedy. Watching it feels like a good reminder when the weather gets cold and times get tough to look sharp, go for the joke and always make lemonade.

Nick:[to the bartenders on proper drink construction] The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time.

Nick: Now my friends, if I may propose a little toast. Let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.
Nora: You give such charming parties, Mr. Charles.
Nick: Thank you, Mrs. Charles.

 

Nora: How many drinks have you had?

Nick: This will make six Martinis. 

Nora: [to the waiter] All right. Will you bring me five more Martinis, Leo? Line them right up here.

Nora: [suffering from a hang-over] What hit me?
Nick: The last martini.

The Bronx (a perfect* martini with OJ)
2 oz Gin
1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Orange Juice

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

* Perfect refers to the equal part dry and sweet vermouth. Not the esteemed quality of the drink.

Notes: Experiment! Try blood oranges or kumquats for the orange juice. Try adding marmalade and different kinds of orange bitters. Try different kinds of gin - those with more herbaceous-ness would balance out the juice. Try subbing Averna for the sweet vermouth.

Happy holidays!