Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/53193
THE DOUBLE DIAMOND The Mixologist: Mike McGinnis The Brand: La Pinta Pomegranate Infused Tequila If a trip to Tiffany's doesn't work this Valentine's Day, then go for a double diamond—namely, this divine cocktail based on La Pinta, a passionate infusion of Clase Azul Tequila with pomegranate (symbol of love and fertility). In its brand new packaging, THE TASTING PANEL awards 38-proof La Pinta an A+ for design. The beautiful white wraparound label resembles the white ceramic bottles associated with statuesque Clase Azul Tequila Reposado. Shannon Fuson of Flight 69 Gin is on the runway serv- ing Love Potion 69. LOVE POTION 69 The Mixologist: Shannon Fuson The Brand: Flight 69 Gin Forget "Love Potion #9." For a combination of retro romance and double-entendre playfulness, Flight 69 Gin goes back to the days when flying was fun, to conjure up a mile-high version of the Pimm's Cup. Created from Lodi grapes by an award-winning winemaker, Flight 69 showed us a Love Potion—a cocktail in the cockpit— with the power to arouse an amorous fugue: Are we coming or going? THE POTION: ❤ 2 oz. Flight 69 gin ❤ 1 oz. Pimm's Original No. 1 Cup ❤ 1 oz. Cointreau ❤ 2 shakes Angostura Bitters ❤ Top with ginger ale and an orange twist. "Approachable on its own, without mixers, this is a flirty, floral gin." —William Bloxsom-Carter "Definitely a new, lighter generation of gin: fresh, fruity, creamy and mild." —Mike Yen Love Potion 69. From Tequilas Premium, John Hanson, Arturo Lomeli and Mike McGinnis. THE POTION: created by Tim Stevens at Prohibition, San Diego ❤ 1 1/5 oz. La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila ❤ 1/5 oz. Torres Brandy ❤ 1/5 oz. Rothman & Winter Apricot Liqueur ❤ 1/5 oz. egg whites ❤ 1/5 oz. simple syrup ❤ Peychaud's Bitters ❤ Mint and blueberries for garnish ❤ Mix first five ingredients in shaker (a malt mixer gets the fizz going) and pour in goblet style glass. Add two dashes of Peychaud's Bitters. Garnish with mint and skewer of blueberries. The Double Diamond. "The ingredients marry perfectly. The drink is smooth, rich and generously textured. The pomegranate and spice is memorable." – Anthony Dias Blue "A tasty tequila treat for Valentine's Day and beyond. The Citrus and apricot notes accent a deeper pomegran- ate (and tequila) profile." – Jeff Josenhans january/february 2012 / the tasting panel / 115