In 1979, The Knack published a song about a girl named Sharona. The lead singer became infatuated with her after meeting her in a clothing shop. He had a girlfriend at the time, but ended that relationship so he could pursue Sharona. She has a boyfriend when they met, but eventually started dating lead singer Doug Fieger. Their relationship, while serious enough to lead to an engagement, was broken off after Sharona could no longer handle Doug's drinking problem. The song itself was a hit, being the best selling single of 1979 and launching The Knack to stardom. There are several other songs on the album "Get the Knack" that were inspired by Sharona, but none with the popularity.
Maybe a girl inspired Kenneth McCoy of Ward III in New York to create My Sharona, or maybe it was just the song about the girl. Either way, this TriBeCa bar does not fail to inspire the people of New York to head there for some tasty libations or delicious food. If you are not sure what you want, the friendly bar staff is willing to make a cocktail to whatever taste you are in the mood for that night. My Sharona, for example, is fruity and sweet, but the snap of the ginger beer keeps it all in check. The cocktail is well built, right down to the agave syrup which adds an earthier sweetness.
My Sharona (by Kenneth McCoy of Ward III)
2 oz./ 60 mL white rum
1 oz./ 30 mL fresh squeezed lemon juice
Barspoon of agave syrup (equal parts agave nectar and water)
3 oz./ 90 mL ginger beer
6 raspberries (for muddling)
Glass: Collins
Garnish: Fresh raspberries
Ice: Small cubes
Muddle the raspberries in a mixing tin. Pour in the rum, lemon juice, and agave syrup, then add ice. Shake well for ten seconds or until chilled. Strain into the Collins glass over fresh ice and top off with the ginger beer. Add raspberries and serve.
This is a great summery cocktail, especially when you can get your hands on fresh raspberries. It is not too sweet, and the ginger beer adds just the right amount of crispness to the cocktail. However, stick to the suggested white rum. I would use the Don Q I have at home or the Brugal Extra Dry suggested in the recipe. I used an aged rum, and the taste came through a little more than I would have liked. The St. Augustine Discovery Series Rum is a delightful rum, just not the right tool for this job. A nice cocktail for a late summer evening.