Guns of Barbaresco

Guns of Barbaresco
  • Yield:Makes 1 cocktail
  • Active time:6 minutes
  • Total time:6 minutes

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Michael Lorberbaum created this apple brandy cocktail, which I first tried at Portland's Ava Gene's. It softens potent 100-proof apple brandy with bright lemon and Barolo Chinato, a bittersweet, herb- and spice-dosed digestivo made from one of Italy's best wines. The results are rich, fruity, and spirituous.

At Ava Gene's, they use deeply savory chinato from Mauro Vergano in this drink, and add gum arabic to the simple syrup to increase the richness of the cocktail's texture. At home, it's fine to use a regular double-strength simple syrup made with flavorful Demerara sugar.

Why It Works

A rich and fruity drink made with a classic digestivo. Read the Whole Story
  • Barolo Chinato adds a deep complexity to cocktails.
  • Toasting a star anise pod for the garnish boosts the drink's spicy aroma.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole star anise pod
  • 1 1/2 ounces (45ml) straight apple brandy (100 proof)
  • 3/4 ounce (20ml) Barolo Chinato
  • 1/2 ounce (15ml) fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • 1/2 ounce (15ml) strong Demerara syrup (see note above)
  • 3 dashes Regans' Orange Bitters

Directions

  1. 1.

    Place star anise pod in a small skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring and flipping frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool.

  2. 2.

    Add apple brandy, Barolo Chinato, lemon juice, strong Demerara syrup, and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker and fill 2/3 full with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Fine-strain into a cocktail coupe. Garnish with toasted star anise pod.