Download February 2011 - Bite Magazine

BiteFeb2011:Layout 1 27/1/11 18:29 Page 17Cocktails: St Valentine’s Day Libations of loveSt Valentine’s Day – traditionally aday of clichéd verse written indisguised childlike script onmawkishly sentimental cards and singlered roses furtively placed on an emptyoffice chair. Sorry, nowadays it’s a simpletext message from a Blackberry or twodozen hybrid roses flown in directly fromthe Netherlands to the office reception!It’s time to say “No!” Let’s forget all thecommercialised nonsense. Let’s insteadreally focus on awakening the senses oftaste, smell, sight and touch and seewhere it goes. Create a menu of food anddrink just for your loved one and there’sno better way of ensuring a successfulValentine’s Day.The food I’ll leave to others but the perfectValentine’s Day cocktail is relativelystraightforward. First, and mostimportantly, make sure you know whatyour partner likes. Sweet or dry? Long orshort? Gin, rum, whisky, vodka or no spirits?Bubbles or no bubbles? Secondly, do a bitof research – read, surf, concoct and try(that’s the fun bit). Finally, make sure youhave everything you need to make it on theday. Shaking a drink in a jam jar really onlyworks if you’re trying to disguise the tasteof moonshine!For those that want to startexperimenting, try one of these cocktails.They should get you some kudos!(M Earl)Cherub’s Cup5 strawberries2 measures of Hendricks Gin1 measure of St Germain elderflower liqueur¾ measure of fresh lemon juice¼ measure of gommeSparkling rosé wineMuddle four of the strawberries in the bottomof a shaker. Add the gin, the St Germain,lemon juice and the gomme. Shake over iceand strain over fresh ice in a Collins glass. Topup with rosé wine and garnish with thestrawberry.The Sweetest Thing1 raspberry1 small measure of bourbon½ measure of ChambordChampagnePour the bourbon and the Chambord into achilled champagne flute. Top up with thechampagne and garnish with the raspberry.Between the Sheets1 measure of cognac1 measure of white rum1 measure of triple sec1 measure of fresh lemon juiceShake all the ingredients over ice and straininto a chilled coupette or martini glass. Garnishwith a kiss and hope it lives up to its name!17