"Empyrium" cocktail (A.Glass 2023)

 

For the infusion/muddle mix:

• Five fresh Mint leaves
• Tip of teaspoon of bottled Green Peppercorns (splash of brine)
• 1/2 tablespoon of sugar syrup

To build the cocktail:

• Ice
• Two drops of Rose Water 
• One drop of Vanilla Essence 
• Orange Bitters to coat rim of glass
• Ginger Ale to top up 

Alcohol base:   

• One and half ounce of a quality midtier Blanco Tequila, I used El Jimador

Garnish:

• none

Preparation:

Add the MInt leaves, Green Peppercorns (and brine) and sugar syrup to the cosmopolitan glass and muddle.   Coat the rim of the glass with the Orange Bitters, add ice and gently stir with a cocktail spoon, ensure that the muddle mix does not move beyond the ice.   Add two drops of Rose Water, One drop of Vanilla Essence.  Then add the one and half ounces of the Tequila, followed by the Ginger Ale to top up. 

Background: 

Blanco (white) Tequila is usually seen as a mixer, rather than to be taken straight.  And a quality blanco Tequila will have a sweet taste, that complements the distinct aroma and peppery flavour.  So, the Empyrium is a cocktail that was created to pay homage to the unique taste of Tequila, in its cocktail form.  Thus, there are hints of vanilla, mint, rose with a slight orange bitter/salty taste.  The heat from the Green Peppercorns should just be noticeable as a base flavor, with the Ginger Ale and sugar syrup blending, although not overpowering, with the Tequila.

   

___

(A.Glass 2023)