The drink is definitely sour. Apologies for the photo. I'd already finished about half of it before I remembered to take one.
The vodka sour was the first step in a broader project: designing a drink for my friends Mock and Nancy Mock for their 20th wedding anniversary. They both expressed interest in a sour drink. Naturally, my wife is my expert taste tester so I asked what, if anything, she felt the drink was missing. She suggested orgeat syrup so I added 1/2 oz. for version 2.0.
The result was interesting. As discussed in previous posts, lime and almond is a magical combination and lemon and almond isn't half bad either. This time, my wife advised more almond, less lemon.
Tune in next week for the next stage in the process.
Vermouth Battles
Noilly Prat vs. Boissiere
Boissiere is a relatively new product on Vermont shelves. Originally developed in France in 1857, the company moved over the Alps to Turin, Italy in 1971. The infusion includes elderflower, chamomile and coriander.
My wife initially picked the Boissiere but said she could go either way. I would say it's an even split for me. The Noilly Prat was a touch sweeter, not necessarily a good or bad thing but I have found that sugar detracts from the other ingredients. I feel part of the beauty of a Manhattan is the equal partnership of whiskey and bitters. The vermouth's role, as discussed previously, is more important than I would have expected. It doesn't need to supply much additional flavor but it also shouldn't detract from the balance between the others. So, give the Boissiere a slight edge, bolstered by the fact that it's also $1 cheaper.
New Champion: Boissiere
I don't drink, but I always loved the shape of these glasses!
ReplyDeleteMy wife loves glassware. I expect we would have a far more extensive collection if we had the storage space.
DeleteDid I mention I got a rum cocktail book recently?
ReplyDeleteWe've been doing some experimenting.
I need to write up some of the things, but I haven't had any time.
That sounds like fun!
DeleteIt has been. Even the failures.
DeleteI learn a lot from my failures!
DeleteHow lovely that your wife can taste a drink and think what is missing.
ReplyDeleteI have missed a few post is your school going to reopen ?
We're opening on September 8th. The Governor pushed back the date for everyone to allow more time to prepare - a good idea. We'll open with a hybrid model: some in person, some remote, meaning we'll have fewer people in the building on a given day.
DeleteVermont's numbers have been good so if anyone stands a chance at making this work, it's probably us. However, with college students coming back and people returning from vacations out of state without quarantining upon return, our numbers are going up again. So, who knows? It's all very nervous making, to be honest.
I think I would like this sour drink. My mom was not into sour at all so she would have stayed away from this or told me to use less lemon also. Were you pursing your lips after drinking this or would you have gone for seconds?
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty sour! I like sour but it pushed the limits. Lime in equal quantity is milder - more on that next week.
DeleteI like the idea of creating a drink from friends on a special occasion. That's very thoughtful.
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
I can't take credit for the idea. Someone suggested they invent a drink for themselves, which they did. I took my own invention on as a personal challenge.
DeleteAn interesting combo!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. Whiskey would be my preference, though.
DeleteIf you follow me, I will follow you.
ReplyDelete