Orange Blossom Special

Aperol, Orange Blossom, Gin, Mondino, Peach Syrup, Cava

A week or so ago I was sitting barside in a fantastic restaurant in Edinburgh, called Noto. It’s a compact space that offers small plates designed to be shared with an exceptionally knowledgeable mixologist team.

While dining I challenged the gentlemen behind the bar to create something for me using Aperol as the base; which is a flavour I love. After a few attempts, he created something exceptional. This recipe was made on the fly, so I asked what I should order if I wanted this drink the next time I dined at Noto. He kindly agreed to write the recipe down for me. He also mentioned he liked to name cocktails using a reference to music, so I called it the Orange Blossom Special, both as a nod to its star ingredient and Johnny Cash.

Ingredients

• Aperol (15ml)

• Mondino (15ml)

• Gin (20ml)

• Orange blossom water (5ml)

• Peach syrup (5ml)

• Cava (25ml)

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Notes

• You can find all of the ingredients to this cocktail on Amazon.

• In a pinch, you could substitute the Mondino for an equal measure of Aperol.

• Serve chilled.

Equipment

• One glass

• Cocktailer shaker, strainer (optional)

Process

Start by refrigerating your chosen glass. Empty the Aperol, Mondino, Gin, Orange Blossom Water, and Peach Syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake aggressively. Strain and decant the shaken liquid into a chilled glass and top it with a head of Cava.

Alternatively, you can empty the ingredients into a container and stir if you don’t have a shaker and strainer. Enjoy.

If you attempt this recipe, let me know how it goes, and if you variate it in any way. This newsletter relies upon word of mouth, so if you know someone who would enjoy this recipe please share it.

Thanks for reading,

Conor