Barrett's Mixology

By G. Rollo Begley | Saturday, February 7, 2004

The Karabakh Charge

1 1/2 oz Stolichnaya Vodka
1 oz Kilikia Brandy

Combine with ice in a shaker and strain into a chilled martini glass

I arrived in Yerevan late in the spring. Spring is a bad time in Yerevan; then again, it's always a bad time in Yerevan. The bars were quiet, the people subdued.

I eventually found my way to the Best Eastern Yerevan, a decent hotel full of reporters, aid workers, and western contracters. It was virtually identical to the Intercontinental in Amman—A bunch of journalists just back from Nagorno Karabakh offering tips and war stories to the ones who were on their way out there. You could always tell the ones on the way back: they had that look in their eyes. You know, that look. They'd seen it all.

The Armenian brandy, however, is some of the best in the world, consumed regularly by Mr. Churchill, and, of course, there is an ample supply of fine Russian vodka. This delectable cocktail, a favorite of Armenians and Azeris alike, became a particularly popular way for journalists to drown their sorrows—and work up their courage.

Barrett's Mixology

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