Being focused on style has to me always been a holistic thing. Clothes are but one part of life; an important one to be sure, but still just part of the big picture. How you live your life matters too; what you do for a living, how you treat others, how you give back to your community or just to society in general.

These are big things worth considering every now an then, though contemplating your place in the universe can be little daunting. For example, when I started Off The Cuff, I was fearful that it would be seen as a vapid site devoid of actual societal benefit. I wanted it to matter and hopefully transcend the banality of “fashion.” To that end I like to think I have succeeded in building a place that fosters discussion and debate on the role of style and culture, personal expression and the appreciation of craft and culture.

How one presents oneself to the world says a great deal about an individual, as do their accessories, home, and interests. This last point is often the most telling as it can have little to do with outward appearances. There are endless examples of well dressed gentlemen who can barely string together a simple sentence and whose cultural interests go no further than the NFL draft pick. Equally, we all know of the scruffy nondescript fellow who turns out to be an Ivy League bred millionaire.

Hopefully this site has not focused so much on the packaging that it has neglected the contents, as it were. Style without substance is boring and unremarkable. Unique people and unique things are what often make life interesting and worth exploring.

Anyway, the point of this apparently random musing is to draw attention to what I consider an excellent example of craftsmanship and dedication to excellence.

The Gin and Tonic.

Or, more specifically, the Hendricks and Tonic. The G&T is perhaps my favorite cocktail. Crisp, refreshing, and calming, it is to my mind the perfect pairing. The G&T also has a rich and meaningful history as a medicinal delivery vehicle and drink of choice for blue-blazered lawn parties. And while I would never label myself

a connoisseur of alcoholic libations, I simply find Hendricks to be the prefect gin.

Perhaps its the unique bottle and charming label (I’m not totally immune to such things) or maybe it’s the cucumber-infused contents. It could be the cultish following Hendricks enjoys – I always enjoy asking the bartender if he carries Hendricks and the knowing nod back if, in fact, he does.

Whatever the reason, it’s been a longtime favorite that I’ve been meaning to share with you. The cocktail has been enjoying a renaissance of sorts recently and I wanted to be sure that I put in a plug for the classic G&T…..make that a classic H&T.