Hidden Vallet
(spiced | herbal | agave | bittersweet)
I am excited to share with you my first entry to the @homebarawards finals. This year features stirred cocktails that include a Fernet-style amaro (and no homemade ingredients or juice). This drink features a Mexican Fernet that is by far my favorite. It’s a bit sweeter and less…intense than some others, while still sporting a firm herbal/minty backbone with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and especially (for my palate), cardamom.
I wanted to create a drink that featured my favorite Fernet as the star of the show— often, Fernets are relegated to a rinse or a barspoon. I chose Meletti to serve as a bridge by emphasizing some of the Fernet’s spices but also bring hits of floral and bitter citrus that tie to the tequila. I chose reposado because its oak/vanilla notes adds dimension to the spices without overpowering them as would a longer aged spirit. The celery bitters, while perhaps unexpected, help reveal some of the otherwise-hidden green/vegetal/earthy notes from the agave that are a perfect counter to the Fernet and lighten up the drink considerably. It’s deep, dark, delicious, and approachable, yet continues to unfold with each sip.
Recipe
1.5oz Fernet Vallet (@royalvallet)
1oz reposado tequila
0.5oz Meletti Amaro (@meletti_official)
4 drops celery bitters (I used @scrappysbitters)
Stir all ingredients with ice for approximately 30 revolutions. Strain into pre-chilled Nick and Nora (or coupe). No garnish.
