🐼 x🍹Baijiu Cocktail 015: The Vault’s Legacy from De Hauge

The Vault’s Legacy

City: The Hague

The Hague, a city where history meets modernity, and diplomacy intertwines with culture. Streets lined with embassies and stately buildings give way to hidden gems like Ultramarijn, a bar in a building with a rich story. Beneath its elegant façade lies a secret—a vault, once a fortress for the treasures of a bygone era, now transformed into a sanctuary for those seeking liquid gold in the form of cocktails.

Bar: Ultramarijn

Ultramarijn, nestled within a hotel called VOCO, which is very convenient for tourists, is a place where past and present converge. Above ground, it exudes the sophistication of its historic setting. Below, in the basement where a bank’s vault once stood, the atmosphere shifts to one of mystery and intrigue. Here, under the watchful eye of its patrons, cocktails are crafted with the precision and care once reserved for the treasures the vault once held.

Mixologist: Jono from Curaçao

Jono, a bartender whose roots trace back to the vibrant island of Curaçao, is a figure well-known in the Netherlands Bartender Association. His approach to mixology is as inclusive as his philosophy on competition. When asked about the best cocktail bars in The Hague, Jono didn't hesitate to share a list, proving that in this tight-knit community, the success of one is the success of all. For Jono, it’s not about competition, but about preserving the rich diversity of cocktail philosophies, each bar a unique expression of this shared craft.

Cocktail Analysis

Name: The Vault’s Legacy

Appearance:
The Vault’s Legacy is a striking cocktail, served in a chilled coupe glass. The drink’s pale golden hue is topped with a light, airy mango foam, which contrasts beautifully with the drink’s body. The foam has a subtle orange tint, resembling the soft glow of torchlight in the dark confines of an old vault, hinting at the fiery surprise within.

Nosing:
Bringing the glass to your nose, you’re greeted with a blend of sweet and spicy aromas. The roasted corn notes from the Nixta Licor de Elote mingle with the earthy scent of Shuntun Baijiu, creating a complex base. A sharp citrusy kick from the lime juice cuts through, while the subtle heat from the Naga chili adds an intriguing edge, promising a cocktail that’s both bold and unexpected.

Tasting:
The first sip is a journey through contrasting yet complementary flavors. The smooth, slightly sweet taste of the Nixta, with its roasted corn character, provides a rich backdrop. Shuntun Baijiu introduces a hint of umami, grounding the sweetness with a savory undertone. The lime juice injects a zesty freshness, balancing the drink perfectly. As you savor the flavors, the heat from the Naga chili begins to build, subtle at first, then intensifying, leaving a lingering warmth that’s soothed by the cooling, fruity notes of the mango foam.

Inspiration:
“The Vault’s Legacy” reflects the spirit of Ultramarijn, where history and innovation coexist. Just as the vault once protected treasures, this cocktail guards a complexity of flavors that reveal themselves with each sip. The chili’s heat represents the fiery passion of mixology, while the mango foam adds a layer of modern creativity, much like how the old vault has been reimagined as a contemporary bar.

Home Preparation

To recreate “The Vault’s Legacy” at home, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• 15 ml Shuntun Baijiu
• 20 ml Nixta Licor de Elote (roasted corn liqueur)
• 10 ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 3 dashes Naga Chili
• Mango Foam (can be made by blending mango puree with a stabilizer like gelatin and foaming with a siphon)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Chill a coupe glass in the freezer.
2. Mix the Drink: In a shaker, combine the Shuntun Baijiu, Nixta Licor de Elote, lime juice, and Naga chili. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain: Double strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass to achieve a smooth finish.
4. Top with Foam: Carefully spoon or siphon the mango foam over the top of the drink, creating a light, airy cap.
5. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the layered experience of flavors, from the initial sweetness to the warming heat.

Enjoy: As you sip “The Vault’s Legacy,” imagine yourself descending into the depths of Ultramarijn, where the past’s secrets and the present’s innovations blend into a single, unforgettable experience.