🐼 x🍹Baijiu Cocktail 016: Alice Makes Wonder from Five Points Den Haag

Alice Makes Wonder

City: The Hague

In the heart of The Hague, where the historic charm meets a lively, cosmopolitan energy, lies Five Points—a cocktail bar that embodies the city’s spirit of openness and connection. This city is more than its governmental buildings and royal palaces; it’s a place where communities come together, where ideas flow as freely as the drinks served in its vibrant bars.

Bar: Five Points

Five Points is an independent cocktail bar, a true gem in The Hague’s bustling center. Recommended by PANDA and cherished by locals and visitors alike, it’s a place where creativity thrives. Within its walls, bartenders are artists, and their drinks are masterpieces. The bar has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, much like its bartender, Kurd, who brings a rich blend of Scottish and Turkish cultural influences to his craft.

Mixologist: Kurd

Kurd is not only a skilled mixologist but also a primary school teacher, imparting knowledge in English, Maths, and Dutch. His approach to life and mixology is infused with a blend of wisdom and humor, evident in the stories he shares and the drinks he creates. When Kurd heard that Jono, from Ultramarijn, had recommended Five Points, he was genuinely pleased, highlighting the camaraderie within this small but tight-knit community of bartenders. His philosophy is simple yet profound: sometimes, it’s the spontaneous, bold decisions that lead to the most wonderful creations—a sentiment that is reflected in his cocktail, Alice Makes Wonder.

The smart guy thinks about how to do something for over 100 times, then give it up;
the stupid guy says: Fuck! It's a good idea. Let's do it. Finally he made it.

Cocktail Analysis

Name: Alice Makes Wonder

Appearance:
“Alice Makes Wonder” is a cocktail that captures attention with its delicate, pale yellow hue, reminiscent of the early morning sunlight. It is served in an elegant stemmed glass, with a subtle effervescence hinting at the champagne syrup within. A piece of irregularly shaped triangular orange peel floats atop the drink, embodying Kurd’s blessings to me.

Nosing:
The aroma is a complex interplay of citrus and sweetness. The Yuzu liqueur leads with its bright, fresh scent—a blend of lemon and lime that is both invigorating and subtle. Underneath, there’s the fragrant, slightly floral note of the champagne syrup, which softens the sharper citrus edge. The Shuntun Baijiu adds an intriguing layer of depth, offering a faint, earthy undertone that rounds out the bouquet.

Tasting:
The first sip is an exploration of contrasts that come together in perfect harmony. The Shuntun Baijiu provides a robust, slightly savory base, its complex flavors offering a grounding note that anchors the cocktail. The Yuzu liqueur brings a vibrant citrus burst, a blend of tartness and sweetness that dances on the palate. The champagne syrup adds a delicate sweetness and a slight effervescence, creating a smooth, velvety texture that complements the other ingredients. Each sip feels like a journey, from the bold beginnings to a refined, lingering finish that leaves a refreshing aftertaste.

Inspiration:
Alice Makes Wonder is more than just a cocktail; it’s a tribute to the power of taking bold steps and following one’s vision. Named after Kurd’s colleague Alice, it embodies the spirit of creativity and determination. Just as Alice is encouraged to bring her ideas to life, this cocktail encourages its drinkers to savor the moment and embrace the wonders that come from taking chances. Kurd’s words resonate in every sip—a reminder that sometimes, it’s the seemingly crazy ideas that lead to the most wonderful outcomes.

Home Preparation

To enjoy Alice Makes Wonder at home, follow these instructions:

Ingredients:

• 40 ml Shuntun Baijiu
• 15 ml Champagne Syrup (can be made by reducing champagne with sugar until slightly thickened)
• 20 ml Yuzu Liqueur
• Garnish with a piece of orange peel.

Instructions:

1. Chill the Glass: Place a stemmed cocktail glass in the freezer to chill while preparing the drink.
2. Mix: In a mixing glass, combine the Shuntun Baijiu, champagne syrup, and Yuzu liqueur. Add ice and stir gently to mix and chill the ingredients without diluting them too much.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
4. Serve: Serve immediately, enjoying the delicate balance of flavors and the subtle effervescence.

Enjoy: As you sip Alice Makes Wonder, remember Kurd’s philosophy—sometimes, the best decisions are the bold ones. Let this cocktail inspire you to embrace the unexpected and savor the wonders that come with it.