Get Drunk Like Hell With the Protector
If you search for the phrase “Halloween Cocktails” you will find many recipes for green or purple cocktails with names such as “witch’s drink”, “witch’s heart” or “molten witch.” Most of these cocktails are too sweet and some are tempting.
The only purple alcohol I really fuck with is Crème Yvette . Used wisely, it adds just the right amount of raspberries and blackberries, as well as a pleasant swirl of deep purple color. These dark, seductive qualities make it perfect for a slightly creepy, but not overly themed adult drink.
One of my favorite Crème Yvette cocktails is the Defender , named after some guy’s yacht. (I think all kinds of ships are inherently intimidating, especially yachts owned by rich guys. Sinister things happen on rich guys’ yachts.) The Defender is basically a 50/50 martini where the gin is Old Tom and the vermouth is Italian. – I used Carpano Antica Formula, which is honestly good enough to swallow ice. These two, plus a little Crème Yvette, create an aperitif-style cocktail with fruity and herbal flavors perfect to enjoy with or without fun-sized chocolate bars. I used a little more Crème Yvette than the traditional recipe, and I urge you to follow my lead. To make the Defender, you will need:
- 1 1/2 ounce Old Tom gin
- 1 1/2 oz Carpano Antica Formula (or other sweet Italian vermouth)
- 1/4 oz Crème Yvette
Pour everything into a glass filled with ice and stir until the glass is very cold. Refill your compartment glass and sip while handing out candy, watching horror movies, or inhaling a bunch of chocolate bars.