Prior to the horseless carriage

Today I present another oldie-but-goodie from Ted Haigh’s book.  Though it’s called the Ford Cockail, it’s been around since 1895.

1 ounce Old Tom Gin (I used Hayman's), 1 ounce dry vermouth (I used Dolin), 3 dashes Benedictine, 3 dashes orange bitters (I used Regan's). Combine over ice and stir. Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.

It may have been named after Malcom Webster Ford, a famed athlete who in 1885 and 1886 was the winner at the National Championships of the long jump, 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash, otherwise known as a triple.  This feat was not accomplished again until Carl Lewis did it in 1983.  Maybe he was looking forward to consuming this delightfully simple tipple after the event.