Happy National Cocktail Day! The refreshing Blood Orange Sidecar could be the star of the evening or at the next derby party or summer outdoor gathering.
Chef Christy describes how this recipe came to be:
“I’ve fallen in love with sidecar cocktails and have had them at several different places, each one capturing my attention in a different way. I tried one on a cruise ship once that had Hennessy, Patron and Lime juice with a smoked orange peel that was so refreshing and delicious. I also had one at Nobu restaurant in NY that was just stupid good. It had a Japanese whiskey, Grand Torres orange liquor and yuzu juice. It was probably the best one I have ever had. These two specific sidecar drinks inspired me to dive into my roots and put a Spanish twist to this common cocktail that is sure to knock your socks off.”
Centrally located in Gainesville off of 43rd street, Dorn’s is a favorite local liquor store in town. They have a friendly knowledgeable staff, a good variety of products and the best cheese and pate selection. When walking in the door of their store, don’t miss the hidden gem that is the cheese section tucked away in the back corner.
To celebrate National Cocktail Day, make yourself a Blood Orange Sidecar Cocktail. This drink contains blood oranges, bourbon and Licor 43.
Licor 43 is a citrus liqueur from Spain that has an interesting yet complex flavor with notes of vanilla and spice. “It may be hard to imagine what it tastes like, but once you do, you will feel the heat and passion of Spain tingling on the back of your throat,” says Chef Christy. “It’s smooth, sweet and spicy all at the same time. Spain has so much culture and delicious food to offer, but this liqueur is on point. For Fireball lovers, this liqueur has a similar sweetness that masks the alcohol and tastes delicious.”
One variety of blood oranges, the “Sanguinello”, was discovered in Spain in 1929. Blood oranges taste very similar to a regular orange but with a hint of raspberry flavor. The purple flesh color is also different from the typical naval or Florida orange. This thirst quenching citrus would be perfect in mimosas, sangrias, in a marinade or even a dressing. Its versatility and distinguished color and flavor make this fruit stand out in a crowd.
America’s native spirit, Bourbon, is sweet and smoky from the charred barrels they are aged in. Four Roses single barrel was chosen for this recipe, but use what’s preferred. Another one that would work well is the Angel’s Envy Rye for its rum finish. This particular whiskey spends 18 months finishing in Caribbean rum casks creating a sweet and smooth drink, even at 100 proof.
The combination of all these ingredients make this sidecar a one of a kind for National Cocktail Day. Rub the rim with an orange peel and a sprig of rosemary for a floral yet earthy nose at the beginning. Everyone secretly wants a refined yet sexy cocktail, but this spicy spaniard is on fire! ¡Ole!
By Chef Christy / Recipe from Chef Christy: eatlocaltogether.com
For more of Chef Christy’s recipes, check out her blog here.