ANVIL BAR & REFUGE'S THE LAST WORD

I drank a lot in my twenties. I'm in my thirties now, and I still drink a lot. But now I drink for different reasons...usually. I drink wine because it tastes good with dinner, not because Thunderbird cost s 60 cents (as the song says). I drink whiskey because I love the mellowing effect of a good bourbon after a day at the office, not because Beam mixes well with Coke at the football games on Saturdays (although the latter does still apply). Anvil Bar & Refuge (1424 Westheimer, 713-523-1622) provides an interesting contrast to a typical bar— you go because you really like the taste of a well-made classic cocktail, not because you really like the crowd of cougars that shows up for happy hour, like at some other bars. I met a total stranger there for a drink last week. We chose Tuesday night because it was the only night we were both free, not because class was canceled on Wednesday morning and you-call-its were on special. We talked about career stuff for the first hour. No, really. We did. But then we had our third cocktail (all were top-notch), and the conversation quickly veered toward music, college football and the two cougars sitting nearby. I guess some things never change. I'm okay with that.

¾ ounce Junipero gin

¾ ounce Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

¾ ounce Green Chartreuse liqueur

¾ ounce fresh lime juice

How's it sold? Good and cold. Combine all ingredients with ice, shake and strain into martini glass and garnish with lemon twist.

stirred@shaken@rocketmail.com