Glassware: Chilled Cocktail Glass
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret
1.5 oz. Fruit Punch*
.5 oz. Guava Juice*
.25 oz. Lime Juice
.25 oz. Knudsen Blueberry Juice
Garnish: Skewered Berries*
Directions: Combine all ingredients, from smallest to largest, with ice into a cocktail shaker, shake to a 13 count, garnish, serve, and enjoy!
Flavor Profile: Fruity, but balanced. The flavors are meant to be layered but also thin enough for a drink that is fruity but exceptionally balanced and easy to drink. Fruit punch…this can have lots of options, but there are great homemade and store-bought options that are low on sugar and refreshing. The gin…Hendricks Grand Cabaret is one of the most interesting ones in the book. It’s not cucumber and pine trees; it’s all stone fruit, plums, figs, and cherries. Lime and Guava add hard and soft citrus, where the guava also brings depth and balance to the natural tartness of lime. At this point, the flavor pairing is simple, fruity balanced with citrus, and the sweet tones from the juice are balanced but not covered up. Blueberry juice is the wild card, the fun part. It adds depth of color and in small doses, just enough berry flavor to add a “now that is tropical” feeling to each sip.
Background: The idea for the flavors and ingredients in this drink was inspired by wanting something light, refreshing, and tropical yet easy to make with just enough flavor to pique the attention of the person sipping it. It does have a lot going on, but that’s also what makes it so much of a getaway in a glass. The exotic ingredients are an ode to having fun and trying new things when on the beach.
Outcome / Look: This cocktail should look deep in color and be a shade somewhere between blue and purple. Think of the deepwater ocean, how the water looks darker (even on the surface) than it does inshore.
Notes: The amount of fruit punch can vary depending on the desired level of sweetness and fruitiness. The type used in R&D was minute-maid berry punch. There are low and zero calorie options as well.
Guava Juice: This is available in both juice and nectar forms. The nectar is a little thicker and may taste a little sweeter, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you!
