3 Sorel cocktails worth sipping
Editor's note: Milagro Modern Mexican has closed.
The rise of craft distillers in the U.S. has provided bartenders with an arsenal of new, unique spirits with which to build memorable cocktails. One such spirit is hibiscus liqueur Sorel by New York distillery Jack from Brooklyn. Based on traditional Caribbean recipes, the combination of hibiscus, clove, ginger, cassia and nutmeg produces a complex liqueur. Sorel offers a spicy bouquet, while floral notes and bright fruit on the palate keep acidity and sweetness in check. It can be sipped straight and is delicious whether served ice cold or piping hot (which gives it a taste akin to mulled wine). Sorel is surprisingly versatile as a modifier in cocktails, mixing equally well with all base spirits and even with sparkling wine. With these endless possibilities, it’s no surprise Sorel is popping up on menus at bars around town.
The Thunderball at Eclipse
This creamy concoction from Eclipse’s new cocktail menu features Sorel alongside Greek yogurt, house-made huckleberry jam, fresh lemon and Ford’s gin. Dairy and Sorel play nicely in this unique recipe, spice notes of cassia and clove come through, and hibiscus lends more lush fruit notes alongside the jam.
Eclipse, 6177 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314.726.2222, eclipsestlouis.com
Blood Orange Margarita at Milagro Modern Mexican
At a restaurant that serves more than its fair share of seasonal margaritas, this cocktail is incredibly popular. Sorel adds bright fruit and nutmeg notes to Milagro silver tequila, fresh blood orange and lime juices, and a touch of agave nectar.
Milagro Modern Mexican, 20 Allen Ave., Webster Groves, 314.962.4300, milagromodernmexican.com
Caribbean Cosmo at Brasserie
Sorel replaces cranberry juice, and the spicy orange liqueur Clément Créole Shrubb subs for a typical one like Cointreau to build an elevated twist on an overdone classic. The juiciness of the hibiscus shines in this cocktail and is balanced by citrus vodka, orange liqueur and fresh lime.
Brasserie, 4580 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314.454.0600, brasseriebyniche.com
Caribbean Cosmo
Courtesy of Brasserie’s Layla Linehan
1 Serving
1½ oz. North Shore Sol chamomile-citrus vodka
¾ oz. Sorel
½ oz. Clément Créole Shrubb
½ oz. lime juice
Orange twist, for garnish
• To a Boston shaker, add the vodka, Sorel, Clément Créole Shrubb and lime juice. Add ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with the orange twist.
