PANDA Cocktail 25: Return of Jedi, Sumventure Flightbar, Utrecht

Last updated on Nov 27, 2024

Return of Jedi, a NEW Sino-Dutch National Drinks Mixed Cocktail by Sumeet, Utrecht

Hight Lights of the Cocktail:

It is a creation of two national and traditional drinks: Baijiu and Genever.

After Evan's bold creation of Utrecht Baijiu Kopstootje in July, Simon from Mir. Finch brought me back to Sumventure Flightbar again. Sumeet, the owner of Sumventure Flightbar, accepted our challenge, and he created a wonderful cocktail with SHUNTUN Baijiu and Hoornse OUDE Genever.

Name: Return of Jedi
Recipe:
- SHUNTUN Baijiu 45 ml
- Hoornse OUDE 25 ml
- St-Germain 10 ml
- Roosje (A.V. Wees) 10ml
- Lemon Juice 22.5 ml

Tasting Note for “Return of Jedi”

The Story Behind the Name

“Return of Jedi” is inspired by the journey of transformation and redemption, much like the heroes of intergalactic legends. Each ingredient is a character, bringing their unique powers together in harmony. SHUNTUN Baijiu, with its bold Sichuanese strong aroma, leads the charge as the fearless protagonist. Hoornse OUDE—a Dutch-style aged genever—plays the wise mentor, adding depth and wisdom. St-Germain and Roosje, floral and herbal liqueurs, evoke balance and elegance, while lemon juice injects vitality, the spark of the Force binding them all.

This cocktail is a sensory journey — one sip and you’re transported to a galaxy of complexity and unity.

Appearance

A pale golden hue glimmers in the glass, reminiscent of a Tatooine sunset. When served in a coupe glass, the surface is smooth and inviting, with a faint froth from the shaken citrus. Garnish with a thin twist of dried lemon, evoking the sensation of gazing at a giant planet from the vantage point of a small satellite.

Nosing

The bouquet is an intriguing mix of vibrant citrus and deep herbal notes. SHUNTUN Baijiu introduces aromas of fermented grains, tropical fruits, and a hint of floral pungency, which intertwine with the malty richness and hint of aged bourbon barrels of Hoornse OUDE. Elderflower’s sweet floral aroma from St-Germain flirts with the light, bittersweet edge of Roosje, while a zesty lemon note brightens the profile.

Tasting

The first sip is a clash of boldness and grace. SHUNTUN Baijiu’s fruity and umami-rich character is at the forefront, harmonized by the malt-forward, slightly nutty tone of Hoornse OUDE. St-Germain adds a gentle honeyed sweetness, while Roosje introduces a delicate herbal bitterness that provides complexity. The lemon juice adds crisp acidity, cutting through the richer elements to keep the palate fresh.

The finish is long and layered: citrusy brightness fades into a delicate mix of floral and earthy tones, leaving a lingering warmth from the Baijiu and genever.

General Sensational Explanation

“Return of Jedi” is a cocktail of balance, where tradition and innovation collide like a cosmic battle. Each sip feels like a harmonious convergence of contrasting forces—bold yet refined, sweet yet savory, vibrant yet grounded. It evokes the narrative of a hero’s journey, with every ingredient playing its role in crafting a tale of transformation and triumph. It’s a drink that invites contemplation, celebration, and storytelling.

Afterword

Upon arriving at Sumventure, we, Simon and I, found Sumeet deeply engaged in explaining the art and science of cocktail-making to an attentive group of guests. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the clinking of glasses and the hum of curious conversation. This visit was particularly special because I had decided to challenge Sumeet to reverse his usual creative process: for this time, he starts with a cocktail’s name and then craft a recipe to match it.

Having been to Sumventure before, I thought it would be intriguing to present him with a unique challenge. “Hello, Sumeet,” I greeted him warmly. “Previously, Evan and I collaborated on creating a cocktail here. Now that I’m back, I’d love to make a cocktail with ‘Return’ in its name.”

As I pondered the possibilities, the title “Return of the Jedi” sprang to mind. Excited by the concept, I proposed, “Sumeet, let’s try something fun today. Let’s name the cocktail first and then see how you bring it to life.”

Sumeet considered the idea for a moment before responding with a confident smile, “I’ll give it a try.” He ensured that the guests he had been teaching were comfortably settled, providing them with all the ingredients and guidance they needed to start crafting their own cocktails. Once they were happily engrossed in their creations, he turned his full attention to our challenge.

Delving into his vast knowledge of spirits, Sumeet began to conceptualize a recipe that would embody the essence of “Return of the Jedi.” He chose to blend Shuntun Baijiu, a traditional Chinese white spirit known for its robust character, with Hoornse Oude Genever, a classic Dutch gin rich in history and flavor. The combination was unconventional but promised a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, much like the universal appeal of the Jedi saga.

As he meticulously mixed the spirits, adding subtle touches to balance the flavors, the anticipation grew. The final creation was a harmonious blend that was both bold and nuanced, capturing the spirit of adventure, resilience, and the return to something cherished. It wasn’t just a cocktail; it was a narrative in a glass—a fitting tribute to the name and a delightful surprise that made our return to Sumventure all the more memorable.