Jean Harlow cocktail

If ever there’s a quick two-ingredient cocktail to make in two minutes, it’s the JEAN HARLOW. I didn’t think I’d like sweet vermouth mixed with white rum. I would have thought dark, aged rum would mix better. But this is a great alternative to the whiskey Manhattan. I recommend this for anyone who doesn’t have the time or inclination to measure out a mixture of 4-5 ingredients, but wants something more interesting than a hard liquor poured over ice.

• 1.5 oz. white rum (Bacardi Carta Blanca preferred)
• 1.5 oz. sweet vermouth (Martini Rosso preferred)
• 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
• lemon peel

Stir all ingredients in an ice-filled glass. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Comment: Jean Harlow was the platinum-blonde actress of the 1930’s who died tragically young at age 26 during the filming of Saratoga. The cocktail was created during her heyday and was one of her favorites, and thereafter given her name.

Since sweet vermouth is an equal partner in this cocktail, the better the vermouth the better the drink.