[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:15]
Notes on the Varuna Cocktail
One of the biggest challenges I’ve found facing the recent explosion in quite excellent Aged Gins is the lack of cocktails to make with them. I partnered with friend and cocktail creator Justin (follow him on Twitter @thetoptippler) to help engineer some novel creations that highlight these new spirits. One which I’m really proud to share with you today is called the Varuna Cocktail and it is an unlikely pairing of aged gin and coconut rum that is absolutely sublime and unique. You’re going to love this drink as much as I do, I promise. And you can get a head-start on making one of these new aged gin cocktails today.
I was playing around with Aged Gins and Justin’s cocktail. Roundhouse Spirits in Colorado makes a fantastic Imperial Barrel Aged Gin. In the Varuna, Justin’s drink uses this gin to showcase the chamomile, floral, caramelized notes and marries them perfectly with the slight coconut note from the dash of rum, all in a rich, frothy texture.
The other day while writing this post, I was playing around with the drink and some other aged gins as well. Another which stood out was Cardinal’s Barrel Aged Gin, which when combined with the rum and lime, created this playful Mojito like character, but simultaneously, this creamy, rich, wood and spice notes courtesy of what the barrel brings to it.
But my gift to you today is a sneak preview of the recipe so you can make it yourself tonight in your home bar. Pick up some Coconut Rum and get mixing. I’m real excited about the selection of aged gin cocktails in my book- Hoping we can make Aged Gin an essential part of a good bar program, and bring it into the light! If you make the drink, let me know in the comments what you think!
Cheers!