Another entry into the annals of long lost and forgotten, until now, the Algonquin Cocktail.  Named for the famous Algonquin Round Table once located in the New York hotel.  Literary types would sit around this famed table, and discuss matters of the day.

As Ted Haigh, the author of the book, Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails states, fresh dry vermouth is simply a must in this drink, and every drink with vermouth for that matter.  So if you go into your favorite bar and order this one, you may want to ask the bartender how long the bottle has been sitting there.

Passing through an airport bar in recent months, I happened to order a martini. Of course, I was asked if I wanted vermouth in it.  After seeing the guy grab a bottle sloshing 1/4 of its contents off a high, dusty shelf, I was actually relieved this time to see him rinse the glass with it and discard the remainder.  There is nothing more nasty than old vermouth.  Henceforth, I believe old vermouth is responsible for the nonsensical fanaticism about NOT having vermouth in a martini.  Well, vermouth does not bode well with many vodkas, but it is excellent with gin.  It is also excellent in this cocktail.  But nonetheless, the real star is the rye whisky.  I used Russell’s Reserve Rye.  OMG.

I hate to use that phrase.  LOL.  It’s almost as bad as ← that one.