Amelia

Amelia

Ok this drink comes right from New York's own Employees Only Bar. Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric are the master mixologists that have put together, in my opinion, one of the best menus I've ever seen. Everything that goes into the drinks at Employees Only is top of line, as well it should be. This is really a drink that anyone can enjoy, it’s not just for drink advocates or those of us brave enough to try something different, it really is a drink that anyone can sit down and enjoy.

Let’s start with the prep work as we usually do. For this one you’ll need to make a quick and easy blackberry puree and seriously this is easy. What you’ll need:

¼ pound fresh or frozen, thawed blackberries

2 tablespoons superfine sugar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons water

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and liquefy. Once complete strain the mixture through a coarse sieve.

That’s it you’re ready to go on this one.

1 ¾ oz Vodka (The guys at EO use Luksusowa potato vodka, if you can find it use it, if not use what you have.)

1 oz St-Germain Elderflower liqueur (This you must use, you won't regret it, buy this one)

¾ oz Blackberry puree

¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 mint sprig, for garnish

Pour the vodka, liqueur, puree, and lemon juice into an iced shaker and shake vigorously for about ten seconds, strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Take the mint sprig and hold it by the stem with the thumb and fist two fingers of one hand. Open your other hand with your palm up and smack the mint sprig against your palm several times. This releases the natural oils and aromas of the mint. Gently place the mint sprig on the surface of the cocktail and serve.

The elderflower really gives this drink its herbal flavor and the sweetness of the blackberry mixes with the tart lemon are flavors that you’ll want more of. Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric have published some of their recipes in a book entitled Speakeasy, I highly recommend checking it out you’ll find it on amazon.com.

Classic Cocktails Reimagined, From New York's Employees Only Bar