Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/19027
THE SENSORY EXPERIENCE BRINGS ROMANCE TO LIFE AT THE PENTHOUSE L.A.’s Love Potion P erched 18 stories above Santa Monica’s picturesque shores, The Huntley Hotel’s rooftop resto-lounge, The Penthouse, offers views that are enough to entice anyone into a bit of romance. There, bartender Kat Johnson whips up some of the fi nest cocktails in Southern California, but now, with the help of Chambord Flavored Vodka, she’s brewing a seductive love potion that’s likely to set this cool hangout afl ame. “The view at The Penthouse is amazing—it doesn’t get much sexier than having the entire city of Los Angeles and the ocean at your fi ngertips,” says Johnson. “Add to that the various textures—smooth chic lines, shag rugs, mirrors, high-back velvet chairs—and it really stimulates the sensory palate.” While The Penthouse’s got the visuals taken care of, Johnson has fallen in love with Chambord Flavored Vodka to excite the remaining four senses. In crafting her perfectly romantic Chambord cocktail, Johnson emphasizes not only the senses, but also the way in which they come together to form, in essence, a relationship in a glass. “You have this powerful, sexy vodka in Chambord, and I wanted to add subtle ingredients to enhance it, which I think romance does to a good relationship,” she explains. “White ginger adds a little bit of heat, but it’s still delicate, rhubarb adds a little bit of spice, and there’s a little bit of lemon juice to smooth it all out. It’s like the perfect relationship, if I could have it my way.” —R. B. Subtle Seduction 2 oz. Chambord Flavored Vodka ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice ½ oz. white ginger–infused simple syrup 3 heavy dashes rhubarb bitters 2 strawberries Muddle strawberries, shake and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and two pieces of crystallized ginger. “With Chambord, you have all these very exotic, high-end, compatible fl avors that come together to represent sensual fl avors, essences, and possibilities,” says Kat Johnson. Kat Johnson contemplates her romantic vision: “A secluded beach, suggestive fruit and food and drink that complement the sensory experience.” november 2010 / the tasting panel / 55