🐼 x🍹Baijiu Cocktail 002: Less is More 少即是多
You see, this is PANDA Cocktail 002! But I only finished this one after 014! What happened?
This one is made by Peter, my Obi-wan of jenever distillation. Every moment I start to write about this one, especially a cocktail with such a philosophical name, I will have a glitch.
People are linked together in a way you never expected
How many people you might meet in your life? Who is going to play an important role long term or periodically? Who knows? You don't know how people are linked, it is like a miracle.
Mali introduced me to Igor. Igor introduced me to Kok. Kok introduced me to Johan Nix. Johan Nix brought me to Netherlands Bartender Association. Then I got to know a lot of big names of cocktails in the Netherlands. Human relationship is also a rabbit hole.
Among all of these big names of cocktail, Peter was the first one played with Baijiu cocktail with Shuntun. And, Peter later taught me a lot about Jenever, guiding me step-by-step on how to extract various botanicals. Behind the bar of a strip club lounge in Amsterdam, he instructed me as I distilled the first bottle of Jenever in my life.
Should I meet Peter in La Vie?
The cocktail Peter created for me doesn't have a name in the beginning, until we tried the cocktail together in La Vie. La Vie is one of the most known stripper club in Amsterdam. People working there are nice and friendly.
Less is More
Peter is an OG. The way he creates a cocktail is in a very way that a recipe can be easily copied, this is the best for any growing product. Except Shuntun Baijiu is harder to get in the Netherlands, any other ingredients are so easy to find.
The drink is clear and light yellowish, cooled with big ice cube, garnished with peel of green lime. Peter uses a coffee filter to make milk clear, he uses only the whey. The syrup is a cane sugar syrup, which is something you can easily make by yourself: water and sugar. After knowing all these, I found that sometimes Less is More. You don't see it, but there are more of it.
Appearance
The cocktail presents a crystal-clear liquid, thanks to the filtered milk, creating an elegant and sophisticated look. The green lime peel garnish adds a vibrant touch, enhancing the visual appeal and hinting at the refreshing flavors within.
Aroma
The aroma is a harmonious blend of citrus and floral notes. The dominant scent of grapefruit from the De Kuyper Grapefruit liqueur is complemented by the zesty lime juice. A subtle sweetness from the sugar cane syrup balances the citrusy sharpness, with the unique fragrance of Baijiu providing an intriguing depth.
Taste
Upon the first sip, the bold and distinctive character of Baijiu comes through, offering a complex and slightly earthy base. The tartness of lime juice and the bittersweet flavor of grapefruit liqueur create a refreshing and invigorating citrus profile. The sugar cane syrup adds a gentle sweetness, rounding out the sharp edges and providing a smooth, well-balanced taste. The filtered milk adds a creamy texture without altering the clarity of the drink, giving it a silky mouthfeel that contrasts nicely with the citrus notes.
Mouthfeel
The cocktail has a smooth and velvety texture, enhanced by the filtered milk, which also imparts a subtle creaminess. The balance of tart and sweet flavors creates a lively sensation on the palate, making it both refreshing and satisfying.
Finish
The finish is clean and crisp, with lingering notes of grapefruit and lime. The Baijiu leaves a lasting impression, its complex flavors gradually fading away, encouraging another sip.
Overall Impression
This cocktail is a delightful fusion of bold and refreshing elements, perfect for those who appreciate complex and well-balanced drinks. The combination of Baijiu, citrus, and a hint of sweetness creates a unique and memorable experience, enhanced by the smooth texture provided by the filtered milk. The green lime peel garnish not only adds a touch of color but also subtly enhances the overall citrus aroma. This cocktail is ideal for sophisticated palates looking for an exotic twist on traditional flavors.
Recipe
Name: Less is More
- Baijiu 60 ml
- De Kuyper Grapefruit 30 ml
- Lime Juice 30 ml
- Sugar Cane Syrup 20 ml
- Filtered Milk 60 ml (clear liquid)
- Garnish with Green Lime Peel.
Peter, thank you very much.