How do Dos Brisas’ cocktails fit in with the restaurant’s farm-to-table ethos?
The organic farm gives me the opportunity to regularly change the cocktails. It also allows me to continuously explore new ways to infuse liqueurs and simple syrups. Just like with cooking, using fresh organicingredients really enhances the natural flavors of the dish and thisremains true when creating handcrafted cocktails.
What are the most popular ingredients you use?
Shiso and cucumber.
Which is the most popular cocktail?
Our Spa Martini, which is light, crisp, and refreshing. Our QuinceMartini, a very unique martini is also quite popular. It is fragrant, pure, and divine.
Shaken or stirred – which do you prefer?
Stirred or gently shaken because you want to avoid breaking up the ice and diluting the drink. It also prevents breaking down the cells of fragile ingredients such as the shiso-infused simple syrup and Japanesecucumber juice in the Spa Martini.
Light, crisp, and refreshing.
Ingredients
2 ounces Hendrick’s Gin
2 ounces fresh cucumber juice
1/4 ounce fresh lime juice
Dash of Shiso-infused Simple Syrup {see recipe below}
Paper-thin slices of Japanese cucumbers and shiso leaves to garnish
Method
Place ice in the martini glass to chill the glass.Pour all ingredients into a pint glass full of ice and gently shake.Strain into the martini glass.
Shiso-infused syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
Shiso leaves
In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Turn off heat.Place shiso into the hot simple syrup and let infuse for 15 minutes.Strain and let fully cool before use.
Tips from Thomas
- Japanese cucumbers are seedless, have a more refined flavor, and provide the cocktail with a beautiful light green color.
- Shiso is a type of Japanese mint. It has an elegant, mellow profile enhancing all the flavors in the drink without overpowering the cocktail.
- Gently shake the cocktail to avoid breaking up the ice and diluting the drink. It also prevents the break down of fragile ingredients such as the Shiso-infused Simple Syrup.
- Goes great with raw seafood, especially fresh oysters!
Fragrant, pure, and divine.
Ingredients
2 ounces Chamomile-infused Gin (see recipe below)
1 ounce homemade Quince Paste(see recipe below)
1/4 ounce. Noilly Pratt
Dash of bergamot oil
Method
Place ice in the martini glass to chill the glass.Pour all ingredients into a pint glass full of ice and gently shake.Strain into the martini glass.
Chamomile-inflused gin
Use 3-4 tablespoons of loose leaf chamomile tea (for 750 mL bottle) and place in gin for 24 hours. Than strain.Keeps full flavor for up to a month.
Quince paste
Raw sugar
Quince
Water
Peel quince and into 1 inch cubes. Place into a medium pot and add just enough water tocover the quince.Simmer until soft and allow to cool.Purée and pass through a fine strainer.
Tips from Thomas
- Quince adds a beautiful citrus flavor that compliments the chamomile infused-gin. The Quince Paste will last up to ten days in the refrigerator.
- Bergamot oil is used for its’ fragrance. Providing a citrus aroma, the bergamot is one of the most fragrant fruits in the world. A dash of Meyer lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
- Thomas prefers to us Noilly Pratt for a dry vermouth as a staple in his kitchen and behind the bar. Whether he is making a beurre blanc sauce or signature cocktail, Noilly Pratt adds just the right touch.
- Gently shake the cocktail to avoid breaking up the ice and diluting the drink. It also prevents the break down of fragile ingredients such as the Quince Paste.
- Just like tea, this martini pairs great with dessert, especially some warm fresh baked sugar cookies.
10,000 Champion Drive, Washington, Texas 77880, USA
+1 979 277 7750