I don’t get too bent out of shape over stellar phenomena. I am very content to look at the stars and see sparkly lights rather than twist my head trying to configure a goat out of a group of points. Lunar events, however are a different story and the Supermoon Eclipse of this past September was truly extraordinary. It was a crystal clear night here in Cambridge and the moon was perched over Mt. Mansfield behind our house. We made a small fire and put on Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ which could not have been a more perfect soundtrack for the event. Given it was late on a Sunday night, I wanted a drink that wouldn’t cause grumpiness Monday morning yet gave the occasion the gravitas it deserved. The balance of this cocktail was just right. A Supermoon Eclipse, warm fire, snuggly kid on my lap, Floyd and some local rye. Sometimes it is important to recognize when things are just right.
The Lunar Eclipse
- 2 oz Mad River or WhistlePig Rye
- ½ orange, juice hand-squeezed into the glass (do not use bottled OJ)
- 1 tsp Smoked Maple [1] or Cardamom Syrup [2]
- 1 oz water
- A few shakes of Runamok Orange or Aromatic Bitters
Pour all ingredients over ice and gently stir.