Five Cocktails With Fennel Offering A Herby Kick
When you first think of fennel, visions of crunchy salads and aromatic curries dance in your head. Never in your wildest mixology dreams would you imagine this feathery, licorice-like herb playing a leading role in cocktails. Yet, here we are, joining the fennel fever in the drink world. Let’s dive into cocktails where this ingredient isn’t just a garnish but the heart and soul of the drink. This unexpected hero brings with it an aroma of mystery and sweetness, turning ordinary concoctions into extraordinary sensory experiences. Here are a few recipes for you to try:
Fennel Seed Takes Over The Gimlet
Who knew that a handful of fennel seeds could turn the classic Gimlet on its head? Infuse these seeds into a simple syrup by boiling water, sugar, and fennel together. Cool for at least 30 minutes, and you have the magic potion ready. Mix 15 ml of this syrup with a generous 60 ml pour of Gordon's Gin and a dash of lime. The fennel's subtle sweetness pairs whimsically with the gin's herbal notes, turning a familiar drink into something remarkably fresh.
Sazerac, Spiced Up
Think Sazerac, but with a bold twist. Start with Johnnie Walker Black, 60 ml; add fennel syrup and then a jolt of freshly cracked black pepper. Top it off with an absinthe rinse. It’s smoky, it’s spicy and it's surprisingly smooth. A sip feels like uncovering a secret, where the fennel's sweetness complements the whisky's depth and the pepper’s heat.
Virgin Fennel Fizz
Here’s a stunner without the buzz. Take 30 ml of fennel syrup, a spritz of lemon, topped with premium sparkling water, or the Black and White Ginger Ale for a more herbal take. Simple? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not. This mocktail proves that fennel can hold its own, even without the support of spirits. It’s refreshing, with a zing that keeps things interesting.
Grapefruit and Fennel Vodka
Then there’s the grapefruit and fennel vodka twist. Mix Smirnoff Vodka Red, say 50 ml, with 100 ml of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and a drizzle of fennel syrup. This concoction is as playful as it sounds. The vodka’s crispness, paired with the bittersweet grapefruit and the anise-like touch of fennel, offers a delightful tickle on the palate, a vibrant reminder of summer days.
Fennel's Irish Cream Dream
End on a sweet note with 60 ml Bailey's Irish Cream, shaken together with 30 ml of fennel syrup, and served over crushed ice. This drink is like dessert, but more fun. The cream’s richness meets the herb’s aromatic quality, creating a drink that’s both familiar and novel. It’s the kind of cocktail that invites you to sit back and savour. Great cocktails are enjoyed slowly, anyway.
These fennel-infused drinks are proof of the herb’s versatility. From a gin classic redefined to a non-alcoholic refresher and a dessert-like indulgence, fennel brings complexity and a hint of the unexpected to each glass. It boasts a unique journey from the pantry to the bar, cementing its place in the world of mixology like other worthy companions.
