Hump Day Happy Hour

Had he invented the fountain of youth rather than the cotton gin, Eli Whitney would be turning 245 years old today. Thanks to this mass production pioneer, cotton became America's staple export and textile, replacing pricey linen and itchy wool.

Still the consumer's cloth of choice, this week's drink celebrates the comfort, convenience and sweat-sopping skills of wash-and-wear cotton. From undies to sheets to tampons, without “the fabric of our lives” we'd be cheerless and chafed.

Throw on your favorite worn-out tee and toast to Mr. Whitney's gin with this week's gin-infused intoxicant. Made for Glo by chef David Myers, “The Fashionista” combines several epicurean ingredients to create a cutting-edge cocktail that celebrates cotton as king.

"The Fashionista"

Ingredients:

2 oz. Miller's Westbourne Strength Gin

1 white sugar cube

5 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters*

2 Luxardo maraschino cherries*

2-3 oz. juniper, white pepper and coriander marinated in Banyuls vinegar*

Pinch of tarragon

Flamed orange peel

*Available at gourmet food and wine stores

Directions: Mix the first six ingredients in a Boston shaker. Add ice to the shaker and stir. Strain into an old-fashioned cup with one big chunk of ice in it. Garnish with orange peel.

David Myers is the award-winning chef and owner of Comme Ça, with locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.