Sip Slowly: Nu Cosmopolitan

My name is Kasem Kydd, and I've been working in hospitality for over a decade in various roles.

At the California Clipper, I can typically be found bartending, working as the Beverage Manager, and coordinating various events. I'm an artist and musician first and foremost, and I love the California Clipper because it serves as a meeting ground for people of all kinds to be in community.

What inspired the name of the cocktail? 

The Nu Cosmopolitan is a simple cross between two classics: a Cosmopolitan and a Jasmine. My first cocktail that I can remember having was a Cosmo, and later in my career, I was introduced to the Jasmine at one of Chicago's longest-tenured cocktail bars, Scofflaw. A Jasmine is essentially a gin Cosmo that substitutes Aperol for cranberry juice. The result is a delightfully simple cocktail that serves as a vehicle for whatever delicious gin you choose to structure it around. Quite simply, a Nu Cosmo takes the elements of a Jasmine and throws them into a Cosmo.

Can you describe how the tea interacts with the other ingredients in the cocktail? 

The most important element in a Nu Cosmopolitan, however, is the Spirit Tea Dragon Tail tea. This one element transforms an otherwise simple cocktail into something remarkable. If you've been to the Clipper, you know our cocktail menu is designed to be simple, approachable, affordable, and delicious -- and the Nu Cosmopolitan fits that perfectly.

This cocktail essentially uses our vodka infusion as a placeholder for gin in a Jasmine. The result is a bright cocktail with hints of fresh peach and juniper from our tea, bright citrus from the Narano, and Aperol to add some bitterness while still remaining balanced. I enjoyed the idea of using the tea in two formats for this cocktail, so instead of using a typical simple syrup, we're making a syrup from the tea as well. This addition gives the drink both texture and body, which is extremely important when dealing with delicate flavors in a coupe glass.

Recipe

• 1.5 OZ Spirit Tea Dragon Tail Infused Vodka (any vodka of your choice)
• .5 OZ Casa D Aristi Narano (Feel free to substitute for Cointreau as well) 
• .5 OZ Aperol
• .5 OZ Spirit Tea Dragon Tail Simple Syrup
•  .75 OZ Lemon
•  4 Dash Fee Foam or 1 Egg White 
•  Lemon Swath 

Pro Tip

If using egg whites, use about 3-4 cubes and shake till ice cubes are diluted. 

Strain using a mesh strainer to remove any ice, and to ensure a perfect finish.

Express lemon peel over glass, and on rim, and discard. 

Infusion Recipe 

1. Weigh out 30 G of Spirit Tea Dragon Tail 
2. Combine with 1L of Vodka in a clean and airtight container (I like using the same bottle)
3. Rest for 24 hours in a cool and dry place 
4. Strain using mesh and paper cone filter