Photo by Daniel KriegerDespite its glimmering disco sheen, the 1970s were bleak years for imbibing. Yet in between downing Buttery Nipples and wine spritzers, there was the Golden Cadillac. This after-dinner tipple, which stands in for dessert with its rich, triple smack of heavy cream, crème de cacao and Galliano liqueur, is back in the spotlight at the new East Village bar and restaurant of the same name.
Greg Boehm, Golden Cadillac owner, drinks historian and Cocktail Kingdom barware guru, says the retro cocktail is "notoriously sweet and heavy, while also being delicious." We agree. But his bar's version, which embraces coconut cream, is a sophisticated overhaul of the velvety digestif that allows the Galliano's warm vanilla notes to pop.
"The name of the drink--and the drink itself--evoke the faux elegance of the seventies," says Boehm.
Sipping the Golden Cadillac immediately calls to mind the faded glamour of the Hustle era, but amid the swirl of holiday soirées, it also makes a mighty fine alternative to ubiquitous spiked eggnog.
Recipe:
Equal parts Galliano, coconut cream and crème de cacao.
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake well.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.