If that title didn’t grab you, I don’t know what will!!! LOL LOL. No, I haven’t lost my mind or forgotten what these count-down blog posts are all about – Gifts for the Foodies in Your Life.
We know that there is a broad definition to the word Foodie; Some like to eat out and experience a wide range of ethnic foods or dine exclusively at restaurants owned by renowned chefs, some prefer the ever-changing and exciting world of cocktails which often includes revivals of the classics. Then there are creative cooks at home, the bakers and candy-makers as well as the gadget-collectors!
This post is for young emerging generation of cocktail connoisseurs. They started out drinking the sweet, syrupy fruit-flavored drinks like all things made with Raspberry Vodka, Orange Vodka and every other fruit vodka. Since vodka doesn’t have too much flavor of its own and can be disguised with fruit flavorings, the newly-legal and the many under-age drinkers preferred drinking the equivalent of a cherry soda with a kick! And some resorted to Jack and Coke or Jack Daniels and Red Bull (OMG) to get their highs.
But now, I see the Gen X and Gen Y crowd (well especially here in New York City) growing into sophisticated crowd of cocktail connoisseurs. They meet at the secret speakeasies around town and order classic cocktails, some with a modern twist. Manhattans and Martinis, Single Malt Scotches, and aged Bourbons are among the new old preferred drinks of the day.
Additionally, one of the new hot buzz words in the Foodie world is small batch which could be described as artisanal and sometimes even local or regional unique offerings from private label companies. In that vein, today’s gift idea is: AGED CITRUS BITTERS by Five by Five Tonics Co.
Aged Citrus Bitters
The company’s description of their product is as follows:
Five by Five’s Aged Citrus Bitters are unique in that our aged component does not come from aging the bitters themselves, it comes from selecting citrus varieties at various stages of maturity from fresh to aged. This gives the Aged Citrus Bitters a wider range of flavors than you will find in any other citrus bitters available from the aromatic flavor of citrus peel to the savory flavor of aged tangerine peel. This is a truly handmade product crafted meticulously from botanical to bottle.
Mixing notes: This is an extremely versatile citrus bitters able to mix well in all traditional uses of citrus bitters, while also imparting enough balanced savory flavor to shine in cocktails where normal citrus flavor wouldn’t. These bitters pair well with brandy, vermouth, and work exceptionally well in a martini.
Tasting notes: Savory and warm with complex citrus notes.
And as a bonus I’m including their recipe for a FIVE SQUARED VIEUX CARRE
5 Squared Vieux Carre
- 3/4 oz. Rye Whiskey
- 3/4 oz. Cognac
- 3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
- 2 Dashes Five by Five Aged Citrus Bitters
- 1 Dash Five by Five Aromatic Bitters
Stir 50 times over ice and strain into a cocktail coupe. Garnish with a orange peel.
Notes: I’m sure there are many of you crying out that the Vieux Carre is not a cocktail that is served up. Traditionally the Vieux Carre is served in an old-fashioned glass over ice. I like to think of this more as a Nouveau Carre for two reasons. One, being that this drink is best made with high quality spirits, serving it up will not allow these flavors to be diluted. Also, the keen-eyed observer can see the absence of Benedictine in this recipe. I feel the herbal component of this cocktail is handled quite nicely by employing both of Five by Five’s bitters flavors and makes this gem of a cocktail a bit more accessible to the home cocktail enthusiast.
Related articles
- A Flurry of Winter Cocktails From Professional Bartenders (nytimes.com)
- In praise of vermouth (eatocracy.cnn.com)
- Designer Drinks: Cocktails for the Design-Minded (shutterstock.com)
Bill Ding and his band of clowns are the security patrol for this blog site. He is a favorite toy from the 50*s. By the way sometimes a blog is just an ego-maniacal stream of conscience.
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