we partnered up with simon pearce, a heritage brand of glass-blown barware for this new drink series and i'm pretty excited about it. our buddy brice, who is a fantastic craft bartender from the spirit run and one of my very favorite restaurants here in nashville, rolf and daughters is making us one of their holiday drinks. it's called "clear eyes, full hearts" and it's ridiculously good. brice is going to break it down for us so you can try one at home.
you will need:
1.5 oz ford's gin
.5 oz cocchi americano rosa
.5 oz cranberry shrub
.5 oz fresh lemon juice
2 dashes peychaud's bitters
1 oz french sparkling cider.
build all the above into cocktail shaker except the cider. shake vigorously. strain into glass with fresh ice. top with sparkling cider and garnish with a lemon peel.
here is a little explanation of a shrub: "shrubs, which are generally one part juice or fruit macerated with sugar and boiled with vinegar, were mixed with water in 18th century america for refreshment. vinegar was also used as a preservative and for its supposed medicinal benefits." you can find good premade shrubs here.
about the barware: simon pearce is one of america's only remaining heritage glass brands. they are constantly developing new techniques by enhancing centuries-old practices and are training a new generation of master glassblowers in their workshops in vermont and maryland. simon pearce barware makes one-of-a-kind, versatile glasses that make the cocktail experience more special. for great holiday gifts, visit their barware collection and stay tuned for a maker series in the near future and see them in action.