Happy Masters Friday everyone! Like WCS touched on yesterday, I enjoy watching the Masters, but I don’t really know why. Personally, I suck at golf. But it is fun to play with a good group, especially if beers are involved. I think I mostly look forward to the tournament as a sign of spring finally arriving, and the warm weather right around the (Amen) corner, as well as a decent enough excuse to pretend like I’m working as I have a quad box of Masters streams going on all day.

With that in mind, (and already having made the signature Masters cocktail), I chose a drink for this week that looks like it will go nicely with the changing season and be a recurring feature in my repetoire this summer: The South Slope from the PDT cocktail book.

According to the book, this drink comes courtesy of Michael Madrusan, who created it while living in South Slope Brooklyn. Hence the name.

South Slope

.75 oz. Beefeater gin

.75 Aperol

.75 Lillet Blanc

.5 oz. Marie Brizard Orange Curacao (I ran out so I subbed in triple sec)

.5 oz. Lemon juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.

I get a lot of citrusy, sour and bitter notes on the nose. Subtle, but distinct Aperol aromas start to become more apparent the second or third time going in for a whiff. Thankfully it doesn’t overpower the other scents so it gives the impression of being well balanced.

I get a lot of sweet and sour flavors going on all at once up front. Nothing in particular stands out initially. Which, I must say I’m kind of surprised at with the equal parts of gin to Aperol going on here. Going back in, I still can’t really pick up much flavor from the gin, and I’m a little disappointed. I was hoping for a bit more…gin flavor out of the main base. I think if I make this again I’ll go with a full ounce to see if that pushes the flavor over the top and help me find what I’m looking for. The aforementioned sweet/sour mix stays fairly consistent all the way through the sip, and features a bright and crisp finish, that doesn’t linger or coat the palate.

Other than my own personal preference to wanting more gin flavors, this is a pretty good cocktail. It’s cool and refreshing, and has a pleasant taste. The citrus plays well with the slightly bitter Aperol, and I think this would be a good mid afternoon/early evening drinker when the weather starts to get warm. But I’ll be topping with more gin, that’s for sure.

(Banner image courtesy Matthew Tetrault Photography)