We all have our preferences, but, every once in awhile I taste a cocktail that causes me to rethink a whole category of cocktails. Have you had that experience? For example, sparkling cocktails. I’m with most of you and like my cocktails dark and deep in flavors. But, our friend and bartender, Sean de Anda, changed my mind creating a sparkling cocktail is both light and deeply flavored. Wow, this cocktail is delicious and will be what both Sean and I will be drinking to ring in the New Year. Cheers and Happy New Year, friends!
Orasellabration
Serves 1
1 oz good sherry, like Los Arcos Amontillado
.5 oz Anise syrup*
.5 oz Orasella cherry syrup (what’s left in the jar after you use your cherries)
4 oz sparkling wine, like, brut or cava
Chill sherry and cherry syrup ahead of time.
Build your cocktail in a flute, starting with anise syrup and followed by the sherry. Top with brut or cava leaving a small lip of empty space on top.
Using a bar spoon, place an Orasella cherry at the bottom of the filled flute. The cherry with activate additional bubbles.
Next, using a swizzled bar spoon, place the spoon end towards the bottom inside of the glass, rounded side against glass. Now slowly pour cherry juice against the spoon handle above the liquid. This will
place the cherry syrup at the bottom of the glass creating layers of color.
Now enjoy! Sip and let the layers change or swirl, incorporating all the flavors to one.
*Anise syrup
Super easy and quick. You may use a French press or a small pot.
1 cup raw sugar
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp whole clove
1 tsp dried orange peel (Safeway carries it)
1 whole star anise
Combine ingredients in a pot or press, add boiling water and stir until sugar dissolves. Let steep for 30 minutes. Strain off solid pieces. Cool anise spice syrup and store in the refrigerator.