conceived by Jimmie the Barman, a.k.a. James Charters, an ex-Liverpudlian boxer and the most popular bartender in Montparnasse. He knew them all and they followed him from job to job whether he worked at the Dingo, the Jockey, the Hole in the Wall or any of the many other watering holes frequented by the Left Bank crowd. One wonders what he would make of today’s demand for mineral waters. His assessment of contemporary imbibing types is most interesting. Painters and photographers are the heaviest, noisiest drinkers; followed by journalists; the most depressed are sculptors; and most imbibers of white wine are writers. He continues, I must tell you of a cocktail I invented while I was at the Dingo that had a powerful effect on some of the Quarterites...two stiff drinks of it will have some surprising effects!


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THE JIMMIE SPECIAL
For two people, combine in a cocktail shaker: 1 jigger cognac, 1/2 jigger Pernod, 1/2 jigger Amer-Picon, 1/2 jigger Mandarin, and 1/2 jigger sweet cherry brandy (kirsch). Shake thoroughly. Drink straight or mix with soda to taste.


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On women this drink had the effect of causing them to undress in public, and it often kept me busy wrapping overcoats around nude ladies! But even knowing this did not prevent some of the feminine contingent from asking for the Jimmie Special. I wish I had 100 francs for every nude or semi-nude lady I’ve wrapped up during the best Montparnasse days! For this startling recipe alone, the book should do well.


(it's all about the title edit)
[Edited 4/21/05 13:25pm]