Corpse Reviver No. 2, at Arnaud's French 75 Bar, New Orleans

January of 2005, and the first time I was ever actually able to order this drink in a bar, rather than make it at home or have it at a friend's home.

Chris, one of my two favorite bartenders at Arnaud's, befriended Dr. Cocktail and became a devotee while the good doctor was in New Orleans setting up The Museum of the American Cocktail. Chris kept a copy of Doc's book behind the bar and was keen to concoct drinks from it.

This is one of Doc's favorites, the drink that started him on his journey to becoming one of the world's foremost cocktail historians and authorities. It's also one of the best drinks ever, and good luck ordering it in about 99.9% of bars in this country (something folks like Doc and me are trying to change).

The Corpse Reviver No. 2

3/4 ounce gin
3/4 ounce Cointreau
3/4 ounce Lillet blanc
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 drop Pernod, Herbsaint or other pastis.

Combine with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 10-12 seconds, until ice cold. Strain into an elegant cocktail glass, and garnish with a stemless cherry.

Enjoy, let the scales fall from your eyes, levitate. Go forth and spread the gospel of cocktail for the rest of your days.