The Ladies: Peggy (L), Joan (C) and Betty (R)

It’s no secret that I love AMC’s Mad Men. In the spirit of its Season 6 premier tonight, I found some wine-based cocktails that made me think of my three favorite lady characters: Peggy, Joan and Betty.

The Peggy (Operator)

2oz chilled dry white wine

2oz dry ginger ale

1 tsp lime juice

Pour over some cracked ice in an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a slice of lime and a generous dollop of sarcasm.

The Joan (Cabernet Cobbler)

4oz chilled Cabernet Sauvignon

1tsp fresh lemon juice

1tsp superfine sugar

2oz soda water

Dissolve sugar in lemon juice and water in a big, beautiful wine glass. Pour in Cabernet, stir gently and garnish with a slice of orange and a knowing wink.

The Betty (Diamond Fizz)

2oz Gin

juice of 1/2 lemon

1tsp powdered sugar

chilled Champagne

Shake gin, lemon juice sugar and ice, then strain into a high ball glass and fill with chilled Champagne. Garnish with an icy stare and a touch of resentment.

After some of the shocks of last season, I’m honestly not sure where this season will take us. But if memory serves, the Mad Men way of dealing life’s challenges is to remain calm, fasten your seat belt and smooth the rough edges with a great cocktail.

Cheers!

©TheWineStudent, 2013