Around the World in 60 Cocktails: El Dragón
On the 23rd of April, Catalonians celebrate the legend of St. George or Sant Jordi, who slew a dragon to win the heart of a beautiful princess. In Barcelona, the dragon is a ubiquitous decoration, found in many of renowned Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, including Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and even the iconic Sagrada Família. It’s no surprise that the mythical beast is featured in Catalonia-inspired cocktails like this one.
El Dragón (or El Drac in Catalan) is our signature twist on the French Soixante Quinze, or 75 Cocktail, a popular champagne cocktail. Our recipe incorporates Gin Mare, which is made in the small Spanish fishing town of Vilanova, just outside of Barcelona. It encapsulates the tastes of the Mediterranean using a unique variety of botanicals including rosemary, thyme, basil and olive.
The pink hue is a nod to the Diada de Sant Jordi, or St. George’s Day, a very popular festival that combines culture and romanticism. Celebrating both World Book Day and Valentine’s Day, it is customary now (not to slay a dragon!) but for books and red roses to be exchanged with your beloved. Salut!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tbsp Rose water
- 1/2 oz. House of Broughton Rosé wine
- 1/2 oz. Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. Boiron raspberry puree
- 1 oz. Gin Mare
- 2 oz. Heidsieck Monopole Champagne
How to Prepare:
- Chill a flute and put to one side
- Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, except the champagne
- Add cubed ice and shake for 10 seconds
- Discard ice from the flute, fine strain and top with champagne
- Add dried raspberry dust on top of the cocktail