Honoring THE GREAT GATSBY with a Cocktail and a Tear

This past weekend was a time to honor and grieve for one of America’s greatest books – The Great Gatsby. Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it captured not only the Roaring 20’s, but the dangers of wealth when unaccompanied by compassionate values.  This remarkable novel revolves around the loves and losses of the wealthy Daisy Buchanan and the long suffering Jay Gatsby, all set in a grand white summer house on Long Island's Gold Coast.

Sadly, it was reported this past weekend that Land's End, the actual Long Island home, that inspired Fitzgerald has been torn down, due to its unstable condition, to be replaced by a "contemporary" real estate development more in tune with the times.  

It breaks one’s heart to see such a landmark of literary heritage lost – yet Fitzgerald’s great novel remains, capturing forever the legendary parties there where the young "moderns" danced away the warm summer nights on a velvet green lawn with a cocktail always in their hand.

And which cocktail might that have been?  Why, the Gin Rickey, Fitzgerald’s own favorite. Give it a try. It’s the perfect summer beverage. Then take a moment and raise your glass to a world class American novel that no wrecking ball can diminish – the story of Jay Gatsby and his search for the true meaning of success. 

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Gin Rickey

 Ingredients: 

•  2 oz Gin (consider using Hayman's Old Tom Gin)
• ¾ oz Lime Juice (fresh ONLY)
• Club Soda
• Lime

Method: 

1.  Fill a chilled highball glass with small ice cubes.
2. Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice.
3. Top off with club soda.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a thin lemon slice and a straw.

 Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2011