Growing Old and Dying Happy…
COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 60 ml Cynar
- 30 ml Rye Whiskey
- 2-5 Lemon Peels
- Pinch of Salt
- Absinthe (for rinsing a cocktail glass)
GARNISH:
- Lemon Twist
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Rinse a chilled cocktail glass with absinthe.
• Combine the liquids and salt in a mixing glass.
• Stir until the salt fully dissolves.
• Express the lemon peel oils into a mixing glass and drop them in.
• Add ice and stir for approx. 20 sec.
• Strain into a prepared cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cocktail author: Maksym Pazuniak.
I do not think I have ever encountered a cocktail with such a long name before, but “Growing Old and Dying Happy Is a Hope, Not an Inevitability”, breaks so many preconceptions regarding cocktails, that sticking to the conventional cocktail naming would not be suitable.
Base for this cocktail is formed by Cynar and its familiar bitter-sweet artichoke notes. Not too surprising since Cynar is an amazing amaro many other cocktails are based on. What is somewhat unusual is that peppery, oaky rye whiskey, a strong imposing spirit plays only a supporting role, helping to balance out the bitterness and sweetness of the amaro. Lemon peel oils add a refreshing and lightening dimension without the tartness. A touch of salt, helps to further tame the bitter notes and lets flavours pop a little bit more. Finally, absinthe rinse increases the cocktail complexity by providing a subtle taste of anise lingering in the background.
All in all, Growing Old… is an amazing cocktail experiment breaking many unspoken rules and yet it works. It is a must try for any cocktail lover.