Thursday, March 21, 2013

Jungle Birds & Rubix Cubes



Some days I am rash, choosing to commit to taboo-esque behavior i.e. hanging out with the ex. Not just any old ex but THE EX, ya know, the one who caused the most heartache, drama, la-di-dah. The one that all of your girlfriends want to murder/can’t stand discussion. Ostensibly of course, the greatest teacher to my soul. This activity is redeemed by sheltering in dark spaces where no one can see detect one’s vice, I convince myself. Sasha Petraske's speakeasy is a seemingly perfect setting.

Across from Madison Square Park on 23rd street, next to an obnoxiously loud yellow Subway sandwich shop sign we arrived upon an unmarked, nondescript gray door underneath scaffolding. And through the mysterious gate we entered the land of Milk & Honey, a wonderful bar with a not too challenging door policy and seriously serious cocktails.

The bartender is a magician with liquor, simply asking for an idea, ingredient, flavor profile in which one wants to imbibe before creating a personalized delight. I requested citrus and Campari and was gifted a Jungle Bird. Yes. Indeed. I did fly. Happily, heavenly in the land of Milk & Honey. Invented in 1978 at the Aviary Bar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the luscious beverage included a rich blackstrap rum with molasses notes, Campari, lime and pineapple juice. The drink was delicious. The ex appeared equally appetizing.


Service is on point, the decibel level appropriate for carrying on a healthily audible conversation with the ex throughout the night. Cocktails are the high NYC $15 but worth every penny. The generous ex paid.

Jungle Bird Recipe:
1 1/2 oz. blackstrap rum
3/4 oz. Campari
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice
Ice cubes

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice cubes and serve in an old fashioned glass garnished with orange slices.

We decided to head to Pizza Pub on 3rd Ave not far from Milk and Honey to be kinder to the wallet. Six Campari and sodas, two slices of pizza for the ex, rubik cubes for entertainment, cute Israeli bartender, $23. Don’t tell.

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