Maiden’s Prayer

The MAIDEN’S PRAYER was originally the name of a popular lyric-embellished Polish piano solo from 1856. It appeared as a cocktail in American Bar by 1907 and evolved into a delicious gin, Cointreau, citrus and bitters cocktail around 1930. This is a beautifully proportioned mix with a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Your choice of bitters — Angostura, orange or grapefruit — will give it some pizazz to round it out. It’s easy to remember and only requires the two spirits.

Requirements: Dry gin, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, orange juice, choice of Angostura, orange or grapefruit bitters

• 1 oz. dry gin
• 1 oz. Cointreau
• 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. orange juice
• 1 dash bitters (Angostura, orange or grapefruit)

Combine ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Comments: This is a pre-prohibition drink with “legs.” After trying it for the first time, I could see why. Enjoy!