Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
Square One Basil Organic Vodka: Garden Fresh, Every Time T he nature of the cocktail has changed. Bartenders no longer just mix drinks, they are mixologists (aka chefs of the bar), and like chefs, they want quality ingredients that add inspiration to their creations. That's where Square One Basil ($29.95) comes in. Square One's founder, Allison Evanow, wanted to give vodka a fresh new taste by using ingredients that enhanced its natural flavor. Her vision was to create "culinary spirits for culinary cocktails." By infusing 100% organic rye vodka with four basil varieties—Genovese, Thai, Lemon and Sweet—Square One assists mixologists in creating a unique farmer's market experience in a glass. Square One Organic Spirits Femme Fatale ◗ 2½ oz. Square One Basil Organic vodka Our Panel's Notes: "The basil, cucumber and The Mixologist: Abigail Martine licorice notes on the vodka, neat, are pure and from Noca Restaurant in authentic-tasting. The cocktail ingredients are Phoenix. well chosen and make the sipping experience multi-dimensional." —Niki Kotantoulas "This cocktail takes you for a ride, sweet up front with light basil and spice—and pineapple and herbs in the middle. It shows off the vodka very well." —Richie Moe ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ 1 oz. pineapple shrub ◗ Shake and double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with one basil leaf. RumChata: Cream Can-Do W hile you're probably already familiar with this delicious cream liqueur, you might not be aware of its royal past. Horchata was first made with the milk of the chufa (aka tiger nut) and served to the great pharaohs of ancient Egypt. It soon found its way to Spain where it was introduced by Moorish kings who exchanged chufa for rice. RumChata ($14.99) carries on the grand tradition of Horchata by combining the finest light Caribbean rum with Wisconsin dairy cream, vanilla bean and spices. It is 24 proof. Agave Loco The Mixologist: Travis Nass from Lon's at the Hermosa Inn. Our Panel's Notes: "On its own, RumChata has a perfect density of creaminess and texture with the most pleasant rice pudding taste profile. The Flip takes its weight down a notch for a smooth, cool sipper." —Meridith May "RumChata's innate profile—nutty, creamy, sweet-but-not-too-sweet—lends itself perfectly for this wonderful variation on the 'nog.' Baking spices and nutmeg can make it seasonal or a great dessert drink." —Aaron DeFeo RumChata Flip ◗ 1½ oz. RumChata ◗ ½ oz. Fernet-Branca ◗ 1 egg ◗ Shake like hell. Garnish with nutmeg. april 2013 / the tasting panel / 125