Reason.TV on "The New War Against Classic Mixed Drinks"

One of the most innovative cachaca cocktails I've thus far encountered is the Pinga, created by Paul McGee of The Whistler in Chicago. Among the ingredients: Egg white, which is made extra-frothy thanks to McGee's innovation of throwing a broken-off spring from a hawthorn strainer into the shaker. 

I have no doubt that McGee's creation is, while not exactly healthful, nevertheless safe to consume and enjoy. Multiple times if possible. 

Of course, you can leave it to busybodies to try to get between me and a favorite drink. 

Over in NYC, it appears some regulators might take a dim view of Mr. McGee's creation and similar ones that use egg whites. I pray they don't look westward. 

Reason.TV is on the case:

Despite warnings printed on the menu, and raw egg white listed in the ingredients, a health inspector busted a bartender for failing to verbally inform a customer of the risky ingredient. Pegu Club had to yank the Earl Grey MarTEAni from the menu, restoring it only after the health department backed off serious penalties and a court summons.

One thing that New York and Chicago have in common is that their politicians have rarely encountered an unnecessarily intrusive regulations that they haven't liked. Having failed to deprive us of the pleasures of beer, wine, and spirits, our regulators are finding new and increasingly insidious ways to step in front of responsible consumption. 

Watch the video.