Today is International Left-Handers Day! As a lefty, I love that the most peculiar (and delicious) gin company decided to create a cocktail that will only taste good if two bartenders make it with their right hands tied behind their back. No joke. Hendrick’s Gin‘s brand ambassador, Jim Ryan (a lefty), created the fun and unusual cocktail.
Currently, only 10% of the world’s population is made up of left-handed people. In fact, leftys are said to be more creative, which is why we join the ranks of famed intellects such as Michaelangelo, Joan of Arc and even Queen Victoria. Unfortunately, being a lefty was not always celebrated worldwide, but was actually associated with witchcraft and the devil. Jim Ryan remembers those days and has created this lefty cocktail based upon his own experiences. “I want to extend a very heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Magda of Purple Dragon Preschool. She was the militant Eastern German schoolmarm that tried relentlessly to tie my left hand behind my back when I was learning how write the alphabet. That mixed with the crayon being taped to my right hand are memories I’ll never forget. Thankfully, I prevailed as did my natural skew to Oddity. My name is Jim Ryan and I am Left Handed. Simply put, the Unusual won’t be suppressed.” Without further ado, here’s how to concoct Magda’s Misfortune!
Madga’s Misfortune
1 ½ parts Hendrick’s Gin
¾ part fresh lemon juice
½ part Barenjager
¼ part yarrow simple syrup*
Sparkling water
Yarrow sprig for garnish
NOTE: This cocktail takes two bartenders to make both with their RIGHT hands tied behind their back. If executed otherwise, the drink will taste horrid. Pour Peculiar Gin, lemon juice, Barenjager and syrup into a shaker. Add ice and shake for 20 seconds. I would advise facing your bartender partner and placing a left hand on each end of the shaker. Next separate the shaker set and strain into an iced long glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a yarrow sprig. *place one gram dried yarrow into an equal parts solution of simple syrup while hot. Allow to sit for 10 minutes and then strain out.
Image via Another Jennifer.
