Andes to Alps
Ingredients
- 45 ml Peruvian pisco (preferably a premium brand)
- 30 ml Green Chartreuse
- 15 ml yuzu juice (freshly squeezed, if available)
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- Edible flower for garnish (e.g., pansy, viola, or nasturtium)
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add 45 ml of Peruvian pisco to the mixing glass.
- Pour 30 ml of Green Chartreuse into the mixing glass.
- Add 15 ml of freshly squeezed yuzu juice. If fresh yuzu juice is unavailable, you can substitute with a high-quality bottled yuzu juice.
- Pour 15 ml of simple syrup into the mixing glass. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, and allow it to cool before use.
- Add 3 dashes of orange bitters to the mixing glass.
- Stir the cocktail gently with a long-handled bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed and chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish the cocktail with an edible flower, placing it gently on the surface of the drink.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors from the Andes to the Alps in this unique and visually appealing cocktail.
From Peaks to Palate: The Inspiration and Design Choices Behind the Andes to Alps Cocktail
by Santiago Mendoza
As a mixologist, my mission has always been to create cocktails that tell a story and evoke a sense of place. With the Andes to Alps cocktail, I sought to capture the essence of my own journey in the world of mixology, blending the unique flavors and experiences of the Andes, the Alps, and Japan in a single, harmonious sip.
The Andes to Alps cocktail is a reflection of my multicultural background, my travels, and my unwavering passion for discovering new flavors and ingredients. Born in Lima, Peru, I grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture and rich culinary traditions of my homeland. The Andean influence in the cocktail comes from pisco, a Peruvian grape brandy that holds a special place in my heart. Pisco embodies the spirit of Peru, serving as the foundation for this unique cocktail and symbolizing the roots of my own journey.
The inspiration for incorporating the Alps into the cocktail came from my time spent working in Europe, where I had the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history and flavors of Green Chartreuse. This enigmatic French liqueur, made by Carthusian monks from a secret recipe of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, adds depth and complexity to the drink. The Chartreuse represents the lush alpine meadows of the Alps and the rich history of European mixology that has influenced my work.
The third key ingredient, yuzu juice, reflects my travels through Asia and my love for Japanese culture. Yuzu, a unique citrus fruit known for its tart and fragrant character, adds a vibrant acidity to the cocktail that balances the herbal richness of the Chartreuse and the fruity notes of the pisco. The inclusion of yuzu is a nod to the global palate I've developed through my travels and a testament to my commitment to creating cocktails that appeal to an international audience.
When designing the Andes to Alps cocktail, I focused on creating a visual and sensory experience that would evoke the beauty of the regions it represents. The choice of glassware, an elegant coupe glass, is both a nod to classic cocktail presentation and a canvas on which to showcase the drink's unique colors and garnishes. The edible flower garnish adds a touch of whimsy and an additional layer of sensory delight, with its subtle floral aroma complementing the botanical notes of the Chartreuse. The selection of flowers, such as pansies, violas, or nasturtiums, is inspired by the vibrant colors found in both Andean and Alpine landscapes.
Beyond the key ingredients and presentation, the Andes to Alps cocktail is a reflection of my ongoing quest for balance and harmony in my creations. The combination of pisco, Chartreuse, and yuzu required careful consideration of sweetness and bitterness, ultimately achieved through the addition of simple syrup and orange bitters. These elements serve to round out the flavors and create a cocktail that is greater than the sum of its parts, much like the diverse regions and cultures that inspired it.
In conclusion, the Andes to Alps cocktail is a manifestation of my passion for storytelling through mixology, a tribute to the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences that have shaped my journey. It is my hope that, with each sip, drinkers are transported across continents, immersed in the landscapes and traditions that have inspired this unique creation. As I continue to explore the world of mixology, I look forward to discovering new stories, ingredients, and experiences to share through my craft, always seeking to unite and inspire through the magic of the cocktail. Cheers to the Andes to Alps, and to the limitless possibilities that await us on our journey through the peaks of flavor.