02/05/2023
Caffè Della Strega!
This cocktail is inspired by my family’s Italian tradition of ending every meal with espresso and a digestive. I wanted to recreate this tradition in the form of an anise drink. The name “Strega” is Italian for witch, and in Benevento, Italy (The City of Witches) it is common to light the liqueur/spirit before drinking. This drink ignites with the spirit of the Strega! I hope you enjoy this drink as much as I had fun making it. Cheers!
Recipe:
- 0.75oz Lucid Superieure Absinthe
- 0.75oz Evangelista Punch Abruzzo
- 0.75oz Frangelico
- 2 Dashes Cocoa Angostura Bitters
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg Spice Mix
- Orange Twist
- Coffee Cold Brew Ice Cube
Preparation:
- Arrange two tempered goblet glasses (any tempered stem glass will work) on a service plate.
- In the right glass, place a Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cube.
- In left glass, add all of the remaining ingredients except the orange twist and spice mix.
Service:
(In front of customer while explaining tasting notes)
- Ignite the left glass with a blowtorch and dust Spice Mix over glass to create sparks.
- Pour the contents from the left glass over the cold brew cube in the right glass.
- Stir until the flame is extinguished, and then express the orange twist and discard
Tasting Notes:
This cocktail will evolve over time as the cold brew cube dissolves. At first, herbal and anise flavours dominate. With a rich hazelnut undertone, the Frangelico will act as our sweetener. The spice mix & cocoa bitters add complexity with the orange twist contributing a bright note. Further along, the roasted coffee flavor will round out the experience and add a pleasant robustness.
