The PDT Project

July 13, 2012

The PDT Project: Apple Daiquiri

by Payman Bahmani

When it comes to knockoffs and variations, perhaps no cocktail has been the subject of more unflattering imitations than the classic Daiquiri. As with most cocktail crimes, the origins of these transgressions trace back to Prohibition, when an entire generation lacked access to quality alcohol, as well as to the talented barmen (and a few […]

July 6, 2012

The PDT Project: Aperol Spritz

by Payman Bahmani

It’s 95ËšF right now in Brooklyn and my air conditioner is busted, so the timing for this refreshing drink couldn’t be any better. Like the Americano highball I wrote about a couple of weeks ago, the Aperol Spritz fills the role when the weather is scorching and you want something simple, refreshing, and light enough […]

June 29, 2012

The PDT Project: Algonquin

by Payman Bahmani

“I’d rather have a bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy.” –Dorothy Parker The Algonquin Round Table is the popular name of a small group of young writers, actors, and comedians in New York City who met daily at the Algonquin Hotel for lunch and ruthless banter during a span of of about […]

June 22, 2012

The PDT Project: Americano Highball

by Payman Bahmani

With the Summer Solstice having just passed, we are officially in the picnic days as they call it. And I am officially in summer mode, which makes the Americano the perfect drink to talk about because when the dog days of summer arrive, you will need a simple form of refreshment that can be delivered […]

June 15, 2012

The PDT Project: Albert Mathieu

by Payman Bahmani

Albert Mathieu was a French mining engineer, who in 1802 proposed a plan to build a tunnel beneath the English Channel connecting France and England. Since the two countries were not the greatest of pals at the time, the idea had a tough time gaining traction. Heightened political pressure in England over national security concerns […]

June 8, 2012

The PDT Project: Airmail

by Payman Bahmani

Once you understand basic cocktail recipe structure (without going off on too deep a tangent, it boils down to two general categories: sours and aromatics, first outlined in detail in The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David Embury), you can take any classic cocktail and in the words of Mr. Embury, “roll your own.” […]

June 1, 2012

The PDT Project: Aguila Azteca

by Payman Bahmani

According to Aztec tradition, the eagle warriors were an elite unit of the Aztec army, considered the most brave and fearsome. They mostly comprised of the bravest noble-born men of Aztec society, but commoners who displayed notable courage on the battlefield were occasionally admitted as well. Eagle warriors were recognizable because they adorned their bodies […]

May 25, 2012

The PDT Project: Against All Odds Cocktail

by Payman Bahmani

At its core, the art of mixing drinks involves the skillful ability to balance flavors. Sometimes it’s a simple task involving three ingredients that are prima facie playmates, resulting in an instant classic–the Daiquiri or Manhattan cocktails come to mind here. Other times the balancing act is more akin to the high wire variety, with […]

May 18, 2012

The PDT Project: Absinthe Drip

by Payman Bahmani

In the universe of consumer products, the spirits category is perhaps the most beset with mysticism, misinformation, and consumer ignorance. And there is no spirit more shrowded in mystery and mysticism than absinthe. Much of the modern misinformation involving spirits is perpetuated by the PR folks pushing their clients’ wares, and often helps boost sales–“ultra-premium” […]

May 11, 2012

The PDT Project: 100 Year Punch

by Payman Bahmani

The 100 Year Punch is a cocktail that features a couple of unique ingredients that highlight the Korean heritage of its creator, Daniel Eun (who also created the #8 cocktail). Baekseju (also spelled Bek Se Ju) or “100 Year Wine,” is a rice and corn based Korean wine flavored with ginseng and other herbs. Apparently it […]