Lyric Libations: The Flying Dutchman

Tired of the usual grog, mead, and rum? Prepare to drink up, me hearties! These Flying Dutchman-inspired cocktails are sure to put the wind back in your sails. Wagner's supernatural lovestory has blown back into port at Lyric for the first time in more than two decades. Join us for a romance as stormy as the seven seas, now through October 7.

Like Senta and the Dutchman, these bubbly and bitter ingredients are surprisingly well-matched. Take out your frustration over nosy neighbors and an annoying former fiance by muddling cucumbers to achieve a fresh spritz, perfect for a day spent mooning over your love by the seaside.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz prosecco
• 1 oz club soda
• ½ oz lemon juice
• 4 slices cucumber
• 4 basil leaves

Instructions:
Muddle basil, 3 cucumber slices, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a wine glass with ice, add gin and prosecco, top with soda. Garnish with cucumber slice.

After seven years at sea, you'll want this classic cocktail to quench your thirst. The fresh grapefruit may help fend off a case of scurvy, but unfortunately it's not enough to break the Dutchman's curse. Back into the briny deep!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz grapefruit juice
• Garnish: Grapefruit wedge and salt rim

Instructions:
Run the grapefruit wedge along the rim of a highball glass, coat in salt. Fill with ice and add vodka and grapefruit juice. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

This sailor is no stranger to stormy seas, but it is the first time a potential son-in-law has blown ashore. Like Daland, this cocktail seems sweet at first sip but the burn of spicy ginger lingers, just like the consequences of promising your daughter's hand in marriage to a mysterious stranger.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• ½ oz lime juice
• Ginger beer, to top
• Garnish: lime wheel

Instructions:
Pour dark rum, lime juice, and ginger beer over ice. Stir gently to combine and garnish with a lime wheel.

The Dutchman's ship has pulled into port at Lyric Opera of Chicago and its ghostly captain is looking to sample some local flavors after seven years at sea. Chicago's beloved — yet divisive – spirit, Malort, makes this cocktail sink or swim. Will it be love at first sip or will it cause him to hoist his sails once again?

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz gin
• ¾ oz Lillet blanc
• ¾ oz Malort
• ¾ oz lemon juice

Instructions:
Add the gin, Lillet blanc, Malort and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a coup glass.

Losing the woman you love to another man is never easy. Losing her to an undead sea captain is enough to push you overboard. Erik's marital plans were squashed when the Dutchman came ashore. Maybe Senta will come around if he finds the perfect balance of sugar and spice?

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp pumpkin puree
• ⅛ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 oz vodka
• 1½ oz coffee liqueur
• 1½ oz strong coffee
• 1½ oz cream

Instructions:
Prepare your espresso or coffee. Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker over ice, making sure to add the hot espresso last. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass.

^{Recipe courtesy of Nyssa's Kitchen}