Gateway Frond
Fennel (the plant, and its seed) has many wonderful culinary applications, and I find it to be a gateway to the anise/licorice flavor profile if you’re not sold on the flavor in a more intense format. I made a “no waste” syrup using some leftover fennel fronds (15g) and some clementines that were about to go bad (50g, in coins). I combined those with 1tsp of darkly toasted fennel seeds and equal sugar by total weight. Muddle, refrigerate overnight, strain, bottle, refrigerate.
The drink is a stirred number using a really delicious, high proof reposado tequila (kindly sent by the brand). It’s good enough to sip, and holds its own among the bold flavors of the Strega, syrup, and aquavit. Some fino sherry helps balance everything and adds a nice salinity/minerality to the finish. This is one of my favorite types of drinks— stirred, bold, and slightly savory leaning.
Recipe
1.5oz Reposado tequila (@cambio_tequila, gifted)
0.5oz Fino sherry (@tiopepewines)
2tsp Aquavit (@nordenaquavit, gifted)
1tsp Strega (@strega1860usa)
2tsp toasted fennel/orange syrup
Stir, strain into coupe. Garnish with orange twist and (optional) fennel fronds. Please drink responsibly. Cheers!!
