Making the “Drink Me, You Will” cocktail is akin to making a potion from a galaxy far, far away, blending the warmth of Calvados with the sweetness of apple cider, the herbal notes of sage simple syrup, the zesty tang of lemon juice, and the aromatic freshness of basil leaves.
This Star Wars themed cocktail recipe is a celebration of flavors that harmonize beautifully, evoking the essence of mystical forests and ancient wisdom.
Perfect for lovers of themed cocktails or fans of interstellar adventures, here’s how to make the Drink Me, You Will cocktail, including the preparation of sage simple syrup.
Drink Me, You Will – Ingredients:
- Calvados (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): A French apple brandy that provides a rich, fruity base with subtle woody undertones.
- Apple Cider (1 ounce / 30 ml): Adds a natural, sweet apple flavor that complements the Calvados.
- Sage Simple Syrup (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Infuses the drink with herbal sweetness and depth.
- Lemon Juice (1/2 ounce / 15 ml, freshly squeezed): Contributes a bright acidity, balancing the sweetness of the cider and syrup.
- Basil Leaves (6): Introduce a fresh, peppery aroma and a hint of green sweetness.
- Garnish: Sage leaves, adding an elegant and aromatic finishing touch.
Drink Me, You Will – Recipe:
- Prepare Sage Simple Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) of sugar with 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Heat over medium-low, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container.
- Add 8 fresh sage leaves, cut in half, to the syrup and let it steep overnight, imbuing it with a rich herbal flavor. Remove the sage leaves in the morning.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of Calvados, 30 ml (1 ounce) of apple cider, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of the prepared sage simple syrup, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 6 basil leaves. The blend of these ingredients creates a harmonious flavor profile.
- Shake and Strain:
- Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously until well-chilled. The shaking process not only cools the drink but also allows the basil leaves to release their essential oils, enhancing the cocktail’s aroma and flavor.
- Double-strain the mixture into a coupe glass to remove any basil leaf fragments, ensuring a smooth drinking experience.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the cocktail with 2 fresh sage leaves. For an extra touch of whimsy, you can clip the sage leaves to either side of the glass using miniature clothespins or secure them with a pick to emulate Yoda’s ears.
Drink Me, You Will Cocktail – In Detail
In 2017, at Bacchus Bar within the Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Portland, Oregon, bartender Bryan Galligos made an emerald-hued cocktail in celebration of the release of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
The drink, inspired by the iconic Yoda, gains its vibrant green color from a generous helping of crushed basil, mirroring the Jedi Master’s distinctive complexion. The inclusion of sage simple syrup pays tribute to Yoda’s renowned wisdom, with a few sage leaves serving as a whimsical garnish resembling Yoda’s ears.
This cocktail recipe, honoring the legendary space guru, stands out as a delightful mix in its own merit. It features Calvados, an apple brandy hailing from Normandy, France, and is further brightened with fresh-squeezed apple cider, enhancing the apple flavor profile for a thoroughly enjoyable drink. Though Calvados is unique, in a bind, alternatives like apple jack or eau-de-vie could suffice.
The sage simple syrup contributes not just thematic significance but also enriches the cocktail’s green palette and aromatic complexity. Should you find yourself with extra syrup, it can elevate other drinks such as a Gimlet with its lush hue and herbal undertones. Galligos suggests its versatility extends to a twist on the Old-Fashioned, pairing well with robust whiskey and inventive bitters, or a Cobbler cocktail made with apple brandy.
The visual allure of the drink is a key aspect of its charm. Enhancing its resemblance to Yoda, sage leaves can be affixed to the glass rim using miniature clothespins—a trendy bar accessory—or simply a long pick.
For a more striking Yoda effect, wrap each sage leaf in a basil leaf before garnishing.
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