As long as I can remember I have known the opening lines of this piece of poetry, why I knew them I have no idea.
- In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
- A stately pleasure-dome decree:
- Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
- Through caverns measureless to man
- Down to a sunless sea.
So twice five miles of fertile ground
- With walls and towers were girdled round:
- And here were gardens bright with sinuous rills,
- Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;
- And here were forests ancient as the hills,
- Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.
Last year posted a Chinese recipe for this letter, I was expecting to have to again, but found this one instead.
Xanthia Cocktail
Ingredients1 Part Gin
1 Part Yellow Chartreuse
(A milder version of Green Chartreuse, both being made in Voiron, France. But the herbal mixture that the spirits are based upon, are made and known by three monks only. Mysterious!)
1 Part Cherry Brandy
How to mix this cocktail
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.Have a great weekend.
How well three monks can keep secrets? :)
ReplyDeleteIt is the first time I read the Xanadu poem.
Most of us don't read the poem, just know the first couple of lines I think.
DeleteCongratulations to you,Jo. You found not only one, but Two "X" words. I really like the Xanadu poem, and have long heard of Kubla Kahn, but learned more today!!
ReplyDeleteAs for the Xanthia cocktail.... will have to put it on my "must try" list for the summer!!
Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
It does sound like a good cocktail doesn't it.
DeleteI was pleased to find out so much more about Xanadu. Funnily enough Alex mentioned the poem too.
I'm so uncultured. I hear Xanadu and my mind immediately goes to Olivia Newton John.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I do like the song Xanadu mind you.
DeleteI never knew it was a real place.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo .. love the Xanthia cocktail - what a great drink .. though something I wouldn't drink - but love the sound of it!
ReplyDeleteXanadu is such a brilliant poem .. cheers Hilary
You should try it some time. I am sure it will be great. Have to have it in a bar as I don't have any of those liqueurs.
DeleteIt is a brilliant poem and conjurs up such fantasies.
We can only imagine what the place looked like in its glory.
ReplyDeleteI bet it was pretty fabulous.
DeleteThat is a beautiful poem.
ReplyDeleteI need to try that drink now! I'm afraid, I've been put on notice though. I am not "allowed" to buy any more booze until I finish the bottles I have. Glugalug?
Well drink up all the booze you have - need any help?
DeleteWhat a lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteAnd the place sounds incredibly exotic, much like the drink!
I guess to us, especially in these days when not much is exotic, it would sound more so to us.
DeleteJo, I remember this poem when I was younger, the cocktail sounds interesting, probably wouldn't be able to drink all of it thought!
ReplyDeleteThat's when I first heard it as a kid in school.
DeleteI would imagine this cocktail is pretty lethal.
I've always liked that name Kubla Khan! Looks like it must have been a beautiful place at one time. I would have loved to have seen it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem! And the drink tops it off!
Thanks for the history lesson, Jo! You have a great weekend also!
You too Betty, thanks for dropping by.
DeleteJo, I dont know why I know those lines too...but Id rather know the cocktail.
ReplyDeleteReally? Do visit some time LOL
DeleteI knew the opening line of the poem, that was it, and was always curious to know the background.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably pass on the cocktail. But lots of fascinating info in your X post, including the detail about the monks. Thanks.
Barbara
Y is for Yesterday (quotes & motivation)
The Daille-y News
Thanks Barbara, I must admit I didn't really remember the whole poem although I heard it as a kid.
DeleteWe have gin in the house, all I need is the two liqueurs, bit expensive though just to try a drink you might not like.
Adore Coleridge, but didn't know that little bit of history, thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe cocktail sounds lethal:)
Good post.
#atozchallenge
maggie at expat brazil
It does sound pretty lethal doesn't it? Thanks for dropping by.
Delete