Courtesy of Claire Barrett

Lapping Up Success

By Natalie Bovis-Nelsen (AKA: TheLiquidMuse.com)

You don’t have to be one of the “Rich and Famous” to drink like them! When billionaire bachelor Calvin Ayre wanted his own Liquid Muse signature cocktail, I began with a swanky classic, the Negroni, and gave it a refreshing twist. Below, are the recipes for both the inspiration and the result:

The Classic Negroni
1 1/2 ounces gin
1 1/2 ounces Campari
1 ounce sweet vermouth
1 orange twist (or wheel)

Pour gin, Campari and vermouth into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with orange twist.

Billion-Ayre’s Bet

3 ounces Bombay Sapphire gin
2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
3/4 ounce Campari
Squeeze of lime
Champagne

Shake gin, juices and Campari with ice. Strain and pour into rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Top with champagne. Garnish with lime wheel.

(October 2007)