Well I certainly have been gone for quite some time, haven't I? Rather than try to explain all that, let's give a cocktail recipe instead.
Although my bro raved about Canton--a ginger-based liqueur--I of course ignored him (what sisters are for) until I saw the ultracool bottle it comes in. Well, couldn't pass that up even if I had no idea whether I would even like it. As it turns out, while it can be used for many gingery variations on classic drinks, my favorite way to use Canton is as a substitute for Lillet Blanc in a Vesper. Now I wrote about those before--what, you didn't memorize every line I've written? The Vesper is the original James Bond Martini from Ian Fleming's first Bond book, Casino Royale. As a nod to the Bond origination, I call the Canton version "The Dr. No."
1 part Vodka
1 part Gin (something with a good "ginny" flavor, not fruity--I usually use Beefeater)
1/2 part Canton
Shake until radically cold over ice and pour into a proper cocktail glass not a monster one and garnish with lemon peel and, if you have some around the house, a bit of candied ginger.
Really lovely served with steamed dumplings. Or Doritos, for that matter.
