Do You Want My Hat or My Money?

It’s hard to resist naming a cocktail for a good story. Friend of the pop-up (and Neat Bird backer) Micah Lee shared a story with us where an over-eager host tried to take his hat at a restaurant. He insisted on keeping it, posing the eponymous question, do you want my hat or my money?

I’d been playing around a lot with Pegu Club specs at the time. I learned several years ago that in its original form, the Pegu Club was not a traditional Daisy spec, as I’d assumed. Instead, Andrew Willett argues, it’s a martini variation - 2 oz of base spirit, 3/4 of orange liqueur, a dash of Angostura, and a mere barspoon of citrus. The resulting drink is still meant to be stirred, and the tiny amount of citrus adds just enough lift and acidity that vermouth isn’t missed. I’m in love with these things. I substituted the original spirit, gin, for long standing favorite Rujero Singani. The result is one of the brightest and most refreshing spirit-forward drinks I’ve ever had.

Do You Want My Hat or My Money?

• 2 oz Rujero Singani

• .75 oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao

• 1 bsp fresh lime juice

• 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters

Combing all ingredients in a mixing glass. Stir, and strain into a chilled Nick & Nora. No garnish.