As part of my ongoing education in the field of spirits, wine, and beer, I took today’s lunch at the award-winning Olive Bar (http://www.olivebarct.com) in nearby Unionville (You’ve got to love a job that encourages this kind of behavior!). This Mediterranean style bar is an extension of George’s Pizza & Restaurant, which makes a killer eggplant grinder (the left-overs of which I regrettably forgot to take home—I am notorious for that). While enjoying said grinder, I had the opportunity to sit down with owner George Psaras to discuss a few new cocktails he’s working on and— aw shucks! I had to play guinea pig.
One of the works-in-progress at Olive Bar is the Princely “Purple Rain,” a cocktail that (for now, anyway) consists of grape-flavored vodka, triple sec, and Chambord, garnished with beads of frosting that look like shimmering rain drops in the glass. A tester was whipped-up by our bartender Bryce, who was critical of his own creation. The first sip was good, the second even better, but I’ve got to agree with Bryce—the drink was missing something that would give it a crisper, more refreshing taste. Perhaps a splash of soda water would do the trick, but I think it’s the flavored vodka that threw me off. I would much prefer regular vodka with the flavor coming from additional ingredients. Still, not bad for a trial run.
George lamented that he didn’t have a grape liqueur, which might work great in the place of the Chambord, but said they’re not readily available. None of the bars I’ve worked at carry grape liqueur (but to be fair, these were restaurant bars that sold more Miller Lite than martinis) and I’ve never tried it myself, but I’m going to make it my mission to track some down and give it a go.
When I got back to the office, I searched other “Purple Rain” recipes online and found they’re all pretty different. Let me know if you’ve tried anything like these. Oh, and if you’re thinking about mixing one of the following up, I suggest Hiram Walker (full disclosure-a wonderful client of mine) for your Blue Curacao.
“Purple Rain” from Drinknation.com
1 ¼ oz. Blue Curacao
1 ¼ oz. Vodka
2 oz. Grenadine
¼ oz. Lime Juice
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
“Purple Rain” from iDrink.com
1 oz. Gin
1 oz. Rum
1 oz. Tequila
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Chambord
“Purple Rain” from Drinksmixer.com
1 ½ oz gin
Cranberry juice
Splash Blue Curacao
Splash Sweet & Sour Mix
Splash Soda Water
1 Comment
June 7, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I’ve been reading regularly, and am anxiously awaiting your take on the Providence area offerings. Wish I could be with you as you sample your way down Federal Hill.