May Queen

Uncle Fred in the Springtime, P. G. Wodehouse, 1939

1 oz. brandy

1 oz. kummel

½ oz. Armagnac

½ oz. Yellow Chartreuse

Stout, to taste

1 oz. Champagne

Chill a cocktail glass in the freezer.

Place all of the ingredients, except for the Champagne, in a cocktail shaker, fill it two-thirds of the way with ice, and shake vigorously until chilled.

Strain into the chilled cocktail glass, top with the Champagne, and enjoy.

Do we by any chance know a beverage called May Queen? Its full name is “To-morrow’ll be of all the year the maddest, merriest day, for I’m to be Queen of the May, mother, I’m to be Queen of the May.” A clumsy title, generally shortened for purposes of ordinary conversation. Its foundation is any good, dry champagne, to which is added liqueur brandy, Armagnac, kummel, yellow chartreuse and old stout, to taste. It is a good many years since I tried it myself, but I can thoroughly recommend it to alleviate the deepest despondency.

Uncle Fred is yet another whimsical tale by Wodehouse, though this one involves not Jeeves and Wooster, but the author’s other memorable (if clueless) creation, Clarence, Earl of Emsworth and his magnificent home, Blandings Castle. The story follows any number of amusing schemes and plots, including the plan to abduct the earl’s prized pig.

As such, a good stiff drink might well be called for, and the May Queen sounds like a heady mix to be sure!