Spanish Town

The Spanish Town is one of those quality liqueur cocktails that rests on an flavorless base. It is a way to spread out the good stuff and make it last in what becomes a much more potent drink. The specified liqueur in this drink is Cointreau. This deluxe orange liqueur is more complex and drier than budget brand triple sec. It is triple sec, however. Early bottles of Cointreau stated this at one time to avoid confusion--triple sec being one of the most prominent ingredients in all cocktail books.

This drink is very simple, and its simplicity will give it lasting power. You can go to almost any bar and order it if you know the proportions. Here they are.

• 3 oz. light rum (Bacardi superior used)
• 1/2 oz. Cointreau

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.