"But the good news is, the whiskey works." So says Bill Murray in Lost In Translation, with his trademark mixture of mirth shot through with a certain ennui or resignation (or is it the other way round?). The man has some important drinking moments in films, from taking a swig from a bottle on the steps of Columbia in Ghostbusters while giving one of the best, most reckless pep talks in cinematic history to his melancholy poolside scotch in Rushmore. Murray the man knows his way around a bottle too, or so his tale of a late night ride on a golf cart across Stockholm would seem to indicate.

In his Shaken and Stirred column for the New York Times, Jonathan Miles writes about The Anchor, a Soho bar that has distinguished itself by naming drinks after celebrated guests-a bit of naked P.R. strategy that's clearly worked. The cheesiness of the gimmick appears to have been transcended, however, with the creation of The Murricane. Apparently Bill Murray stopped into The Anchor where they, naturally, were keen to create a drink in his honor. Amenable, he suggested something with chartreuse, a nice challenge and an interesting indicator of his taste. The Anchor folk came up with this decidedly chartreuse-free drink that redeems its arrogant origin (ignore Bill Murray's request?) by being quite good. And Murray suggested calling it the Murricaine, a nickame SNL co-star Dan Akroyd gave him in light of his reputed moodiness. One more reason that it's Bill Murray's world, and we just live in it.

2 ounces fresh watermelon

4 or 5 basil leaves

1 1/2 ounces bourbon

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

3/4 ounce St-Germain elderflower liqueur

Freshly ground black pepper and watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional).

Combine the watermelon and basil leaves in a mixing glass or shaker and muddle until the watermelon is crushed and juicy. Add the bourbon, lemon juice and St-Germain, along with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish, if desired, with a sprinkling of black pepper and a wedge of watermelon.

You've got to imagine some bourbon reps are kicking themselves for not getting in on branding this one.



Shaken and Stirred in the NYT

The Anchor