This week's theme was inspired by a nifty little garden creature, the praying mantis. They are so cute (in a completely alien-like way) and make any yard a happier, healthier place to be! To top-off the thrill of our yearly hatching success, a related internet search offered a new and surprisingly complex mixology ingredient: Chartreuse.
Chartreuse is an herbal liqueur produced by Carthusian monks in the French Alps and the carefully guarded recipe is made from 100+ herbs, plants and flowers. Green Chartreuse (see also: the yellow variety) has intensely floral and herbal flavors, highlights with hints of cloves, citrus, thyme, rosemary and cinnamon, is 110 proof and is not inexpensive. As someone who enjoys intense flavors (e.g. drinks espresso over ice), this elixir was enjoyable to sip upon and intriguing as an experiment in exploring the flavors as they rolled along the taste buds. Muddling in a sprig of basil served to cut the sweetness and really bring focus to the more herbal elements thus resulting in our first beverage, Basil Mantis Aperitif. To escort this spirit from aperitif to true cocktail, we again muddled fresh basil and added lemonade and Kraken spiced rum which inspired a more refreshing beverage, Garden Rasta.
P.S. Yes, that eccentric architecture is my attempt at paying homage to the Praying Mantis with a vegetable medley garnish (asparagus tips, spinach stem, basil leaf and pea pod precariously held together with many-a-toothpick)!
Ingredients:
Green Chartreuse Herbal Elixir
Kraken Spiced Rum
Lemonade
Basil Leaves
Basil Mantis:
Muddle 2-3 basil leaves in 1-2 oz Chartreuse. Strain into aperitif serving glass. Optional: garnish with garden-inspired and edible artistic creation.
Garden Rasta:
Muddle 2-3 basil leaves in 1 oz Chartreuse. Add 1 oz Kraken spiced rum and 2 oz lemonade. Shake and pour over ice. Garnish with basil leaves.
Chartreuse is beautiful in color, strong in spirit, and I look forward to continuing the Chartreuse journey to experience which of its other elements can be brought to the forefront of the mixology experience.
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