Cocktails with a Curator: Chinese Porcelain Ladies

In this week’s episode of Cocktails with a Curator, Curator Aimee Ng looks closely at a pair of Chinese porcelain ladies made by an unidentified artist during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1662–1722). Currently on view in Frick Madison’s celebrated Porcelain Room, these colorful figures are among the most beloved decorative arts objects in the Frick’s collection and exemplify period ideals of female beauty, with manicured hands, lithe bodies, and lavish garments embellished with chrysanthemums. In recognition of this floral motif, this week’s complementary cocktail is the Chrysanthemum, a concoction of dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and absinthe.

This episode of Cocktails with a Curator is underwritten by Ayesha Bulchandani. 

Cocktail Recipe

Chrysanthemum
2 oz dry vermouth
1 oz Bénédictine
3 dashes absinthe
Shake and strain over ice

Audiences under 21 are encouraged to join with a non-alcoholic drink.

Mocktail

Chrysanthemum Iced Tea
Steep dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water for 7 minutes
Cool in refrigerator, add dash of honey, and serve with ice