The Bothan Cocktail: For Star Wars Die Hards

The Bothan cocktail is a sophisticated and aromatic drink that captures the essence of espionage and mystery associated with the Bothans of the “Star Wars” universe.

Known for their role in acquiring critical intelligence for the Rebel Alliance, the Bothans embody subtlety and stealth of navigating between shades of light and dark.

This cocktail recipe, with its chamomile-infused tequila base, a hint of absinthe, the brightness of lemon, the sweetness of honey, and the smoothness of egg white, is a tribute to their nuanced character.

Delving deep into the realms of Star Wars fandom, Billy Nichols, the bar manager at Faun in Brooklyn, has aptly named his creation in honor of the valiant species of rebel spies who delivered the crucial Death Star plans to the Rebellion in Return of the Jedi. Nichols, embracing his inner Star Wars enthusiast, remarked, “I’m a Star Wars nerd. I thought this cloudy tequila cocktail looked the part.”

Here’s how to make the Bothan cocktail, including the preparation of chamomile-infused tequila.

Bothan Cocktail Ingredients:

Chamomile-Infused Tequila (2 ounces / 60 ml): A soothing, floral twist on traditional tequila, offering a gentle nod to the Bothan’s finesse and complexity.
Absinthe (1 barspoon): Adds a hint of herbal mystery and depth, echoing the shadowy world of espionage.
Lemon Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Provides a sharp, refreshing counterpoint to the drink’s floral and sweet notes.
Honey Syrup (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Balances the cocktail with its natural sweetness, complementing the chamomile’s softness.
Egg White: Creates a silky texture and a luxurious foam that adds a visual and tactile elegance to the drink.
Garnish: Dried Chamomile Blossoms, enhancing the beverage’s aromatic profile and serving as a beautiful, thematic garnish.

Bothan Cocktail Recipe:

Prepare Chamomile-Infused Tequila:
- Start by infusing 4 chamomile tea bags in a 750 mL bottle of blanco tequila. Place the bottle in a cool, dry spot and let it sit for 1 1/2 hours, allowing the chamomile’s floral notes to permeate the tequila.
- Remove the tea bags and strain the tequila to ensure it’s free of any particles.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a shaker, combine 60 ml (2 ounces) of the chamomile-infused tequila, a barspoon of absinthe, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) each of freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey syrup, along with one egg white.
- The mixture of these ingredients creates a cocktail that is both bold and nuanced, much like the Bothans themselves.
Dry-Shake:
- Vigorously shake the mixture without ice first (dry-shake) to emulsify the egg white, creating a smooth, frothy texture. This step is crucial for achieving the silky mouthfeel and rich foam that makes the drink.
Shake with Ice:
- After the dry shake, add ice to the shaker and shake again until the cocktail is well-chilled. This second shake not only cools the drink but also adds a slight dilution, perfecting its consistency and flavor.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the chilled cocktail into a chilled coupe glass, ensuring a smooth, elegant presentation. The choice of glassware reflects the sophistication and subtlety of the Bothans’ world.
Garnish:
- Finish by garnishing the drink with dried chamomile blossoms. This not only adds to the cocktail’s visual appeal but also reinforces its floral theme, inviting you to take a moment to appreciate the complexity and aroma before taking the first sip.