The PDT Project: Albert Mathieu

Albert Mathieu was a French mining engineer, who in 1802 proposed a plan to build a tunnel beneath the English Channel connecting France and England. Since the two countries were not the greatest of pals at the time, the idea had a tough time gaining traction. Heightened political pressure in England over national security concerns eventually killed the proposal.

It took nearly two centuries before the idea was revisited, when in 1988 construction on the project finally began, and was finished in 1994. The English Channel Tunnel (or "Chunnel" as it's commonly known) is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Created by Kevin Martin (awesome bartender) from Eastern Standard (awesome bar) in Boston, the Albert Mathieu cocktail is aptly named for the way it blends British gin with the French ingredients Lillet Blanc, Green Chartreuse, and St. Germain. Kevin served this drink at PDT in 2009 while participating in a NY-Boston bartender exchange program.

Albert Mathieu
1.5 oz Plymouth Gin
.75 oz Lillet Blanc
.75 oz Green Chartreuse
1 barspoon St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1 dash Regan's Orange Bitters
Orange twist (garnish)

Tools: barspoon, mixing glass, strainer
Glassware: chilled coupe

Method: Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Squeeze orange twist over drink and place in drink as garnish.

The Albert Mathieu is boozy, herbacaeous, floral, and herbaceous. I should also mention that it's herbaceous. If you’re a fan of Chartreuse--and I am, either straight or in cocktails--then this cocktail is for you. And if you're a fan of the Martini, this drink is a good opportunity to try a unique variation of one. With the Plymouth clocking in at 94 proof and Chartreuse at 110, the key is to stir this drink long enough to adequately chill it and make it properly potable.

*This post is part of a series in which Payman takes on the task of making and writing about every cocktail featured in the PDT Cocktail Book, as well as providing an awesome photo of each drink taken by Vanessa Bahmani Photography. 

**Got a question? He can be found on twitter @paystyle, you can email him at payman@pdtproject.com, or simply drop him a comment below.