In Spite of Ourselves
COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 45 ml Benedictine
- 15 ml Strega
- 15 ml Simple Syrup
- 15 ml Egg White
- 7,5 ml Lemon Juice (wash)
GARNISH:
- Orange Twist
- Edible Flower
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Add lemon juice to a chilled cocktail glass and set aside for later.
• Combine rest of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
• Dry shake to emulsify the egg whites.
• Add ice and shake until chilled.
• Swirl the lemon juice in the cocktail glass and discard.
• Double strain the cocktail into a prepared glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist and an edible flower.
Cocktail author: Travis Parsley.
Usually when talking about lemon juice in cocktails one naturally assumes it goes into the cocktail shaker to be shaken together with other ingredients. However, in this case a rather interesting approach is taken – a lemon juice wash.
Base of the cocktail is formed by Benedictine - a distinct herbal liqueur that is further enriched by the botanicals of Strega, together forming a rich and complex base. Simple Syrup brings further sweetness emphasizing the nature of this cocktail while lemon juice wash elevates the cocktail with a hint of refreshing tartness and aromatics of lemon. Finishing touch of egg white adds a thin, but elegant foam creating an indulgent drinking experience.
All in all, In Spite of Ourselves is a rather interesting and unique experiment in the cocktail world. Result is a bit too sweet for my taste, I’m really missing the proper dose of lemon juice to offset the sweetness, but I’m still sure there is a place and a perfect customer for this cocktail.