PANDA Cocktail 023: Kiss of the Apennines, Luca, Rosalia's Menagerie, Amsterdam
(Rosalia’s Menagerie, Amsterdam, September 10th, 2024, Hans Ngo Wurfbain)
Rosalia’s Menagerie, located near Nieuw Markt, is a member of the Dutch Cocktail Association and a key participant in Amsterdam Cocktail Week. This cocktail bar resembles a speakeasy; due to their attentive service, they have a sign at the entrance: “Please ing the bell once. It may take us several minutes to come to the door, as we are only a small team serving our current guests inside the bar. Thank you for your patience!” (See Image 1)
Today, Luca prepared a cocktail for me featuring Baijiu, Aperol, lime juice, Chartreuse Yellow, and distinctive orange bitters with fennel seeds. The taste is simply indescribably good (不擺了｜bù bǎi le｜is in Chengdu slang: extremely satisfying and beyond words).
The cocktail, which I named Kiss of the Apennines, is a delightful experience for the eyes, nose, and palate. Combining Baijiu, Aperol, Chartreuse Yellow, orange bitters, and fennel seeds, it intertwines multi-layered flavors of citrus, herbs, and orange. Below is the detailed tasting note:
👁 Appearance
The cocktail gleams with a captivating orange-golden hue, reminiscent of the radiant glow of dawn. The liquid is clear, yet it carries a warm, soft metallic sheen—a result of the signature yellow tint from Chartreuse Yellow blending with the vibrant orange of Aperol. A twist of lime zest floating in the glass adds a pop of lively green, creating a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall visual appeal.
👃 Aroma
As you approach the glass, a rich citrus fragrance fills your senses, a harmonious blend of Aperol and orange bitters with a delicate sweet-bitter balance. As you delve deeper, the herbal complexity of Chartreuse Yellow emerges, offering subtle notes of licorice, honey, and rosemary. In the background, the fennel seeds release a unique aroma of anise and licorice, adding a layer of depth to the overall bouquet.
👅 Taste
On the first sip, the solid body of Baijiu lays the foundation, followed by the bittersweet citrus flavor of Aperol unfolding on the palate. Next, the herbal complexity of Chartreuse Yellow emerges, reminiscent of forest herbs with a hint of honeyed warmth. The acidity of lime juice perfectly balances the overall taste, providing a refreshing burst of vitality. The combination of fennel seeds and orange bitters adds a unique spice with a hint of anise, which lingers with a bittersweet finish, making the overall flavor more intricate and long-lasting. Together, the flavors combine, like lovers sharing a kiss with orange-flavored candy — silky and sweet.
🧾 Recipe
- Baijiu 20 ml
- Aperol 20 ml
- Lime Juice 20 ml
- Chartreuse Yellow 20 ml
- Orange Bitters Infused with Fennel Seeds 1.25ml
- Shake
- Garnish ⅛ of Lime