Who Could Use a Drink?
An Italian julep of sorts plus a must-have cocktail guide for any party host.
Welcome to Quaintrelle, a weekly newsletter that shares ideas, inspiration, and insights on easy, elegant entertaining.
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Quaintrelle is written by me, journalist-turned-sommelier and party host, Erin Henderson.
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In This Issue….
Eat: Easy artichoke tapenade
Drink: “Like an Italian Mint Julep” a crazy – and crazy delicious – cocktail I discovered after visiting a balsamic vinegar distillery in Modena
Read: The only cocktail book you will ever need. Every party host needs this behind their bar.
The Sun Also Rises
I nearly, almost, once again got to rollout my Pulitzer Prize winning intro for today’s post.
It was another humdinger. As luck would have it, the muse beamed down, blessing me with a storm warning so I could link Ontario’s heavy skies with the collective mood.
Seriously, this writing was so moving, I could hear the tears of Hemingway’s ghost splat on my keyboard. His phantom wails carried on the wind, “why didn’t I think of that sentence structure….?!?!”
As I stated, it was a breathtaking piece of prose.
But just as I was about to hit send, and congratulate my scholarly self with a daiquiri that would make Papa proud (his spirit was still snivelling at my desk), I thought… nahhhh.
You don’t subscribe to Quaintrelle to read a professional drinker’s reflections on the state of the nation. I largely suspect you come here for a little escapism and glimmers of joy in otherwise taxing times. (Tariffing times? Too soon?)
(If you are looking to be kept abreast of it all, firstly, godspeed; secondly, may I recommend the newsletters of journalists
and . Political insights from a Canadian and American that are balanced, smart, pragmatic, and experienced.)So instead of politics, today we’re talking about cocktails and snacks and parties. So, business as usual. I’ll leave it to the very capable hands of those in charge to upset the apple cart.
Before We Get On With It….
I have a question for you.
I’m thinking about starting live, weekly segments. Just quick and fun, and hopefully helpful, little videos to show you the drinks I make when I have friends over.
As much as I love to watch (and tip generously) a sexy, young barkeep flex his tattooed biceps whilst muddling a dragon fruit for his riff on a classic Gunshop Fizz, my drink philosophy is a tad more dialled back for home entertaining.
I prefer to focus on uncomplicated but delicious drinks that are impressive enough for company, quick enough for “just you,” and can be made with easily sourced things found at a standard grocery store. No faffing around with smoking herbs (not like that, you hippies), or fat washing, or fermenting homemade tonics. Just good, clean, well-made cocktails that get the party started – and keep the party going.
I would host the lives here on the Substack platform, if you haven’t signed up for the app, it’s not difficult and it’s free, so that’s where you would watch. Just like Instagram lives (remember those), anyone watching can chime in with questions and comments. I used to do regular IG Lives all the time during the lock down and we all had a lot of fun. Maybe it’s time to bring sexy back. Gawd knows we could use it. And a stiff drink.
On Beyond Salad Dressing. A Delicious Cocktail for That Aged Balsamic Sitting in Your Cupboard.
In October 2022, I visited a still and sweaty acetaia in the thick humidity of an Italian fall heatwave.