The Florodora

August 3, 2011

“Florodora” was one of the first musicals to become popular in America in the 20th century. It featured a double sextet of performers, 6 females and 6 males. The Florodora Girls were all 5′ 4″ tall, weighed 130 pounds, and apparently drew the attention of many men who attended the show. These men would persuade the Girls to leave the show and marry them. As a result, more than 70 women played Florodora Girls in the first New York run of the show.

I love that someone decided to name a drink after the show. I love even more that it’s a delicious drink. I love EVEN MORE that it’s garnished with edible flowers.

The drink is made with raspberry syrup or raspberry liqueur. Since raspberries are in season, I’ve chosen to use a fresh raspberry syrup. More like cooked, sweetened raspberries, actually. But you get the point.

The Florodora
(makes one drink, but you’ll have enough syrup to make at least 6)

1.5 oz. gin
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. raspberry syrup
Ginger ale
Lime (for garnish)
Edible flower (for garnish)

For raspberry syrup:

6 oz fresh raspberries
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/2 oz. lime juice

Combine the ingredients for the syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and raspberries are slightly broken down (about 5 min). I wanted a drink with chunks in it so this is where I stopped. At this point I put it in the refrigerator to cool. You may cook the syrup until the berries are completely broken down (probably another 5 minutes, then strain if you want a smooth syrup). Let syrup cool in refrigerator before using.

Build with ice in a Highball Glass or a Collins Glass. Start with gin and lime juice over ice. Gently stir in ginger ale. Top with a tablespoon or so of the chunky syrup. Garnish with lime piece and an edible flower. Edible flowers may be hard to find. I got mine at Whole Foods. Make sure any flower you use is pesticide free. I also recommend drinking this with a straw. It’s just not quite as pretty a scene with raspberry on your lip.

And just for fun, here’s a clip from the 1930s movie “The Florodora Girl,” in which some of the characters play performers in the stage production. The song is from the original musical, as I understand.