Let’s Goyang!

A few months before the Thailand trip began, my friend Jonathon honored me by asking if I could create a cocktail for their after-wedding dinner/party. I guess it says something about who you are when no one can ever remember what your occupation is (I have a degree in Construction Economics), but always recognises and introduces you as the guy that can make cocktails.

Now I was really honored and flattered that he would ask me to do that. But at the same time I wasn’t really sure if I could - or should - do it.

I guess a part of me was lazy.

Another part was worried no one would like it - as it has happened several times in the past.

And yet another part was not sure if he was really serious about wanting me to create a cocktail.

The biggest part though was that I was dried out of ideas. I really didn’t know what to make .

First of all - the cocktail had to taste AND look good. It was my good friend’s wedding afterall.

Second - it had to be simple to make, and utilizes ingredients that are easily available, so that the venue’s bartenders can dish it out in bulk to the guests.

Third - I felt it had to represent the couple somehow. So that its more personal that way. And it had to be original too.

The thing with this kind of task is that its generally thankless . No one cares what a cocktail represents and shit. Most people will be happy if its sweet and can get you over the edge in the shortest amount of time.

But you know, I’m me. And I do these things. I do tend to put alot of thought into the cocktails I create. Even the simple ones.

As the day drew nearer, I knew Jonathon was serious cause he asked me about it a few times. At this stage I put on my thinking cap and thought real hard about it for a week - which is really strange cause I’ve never taken more than an hour to come up with a cocktail.

I always knew from the start that this cocktail would be Champagne-based. Cause Champagne is the tipple-of-choice at celebrations. Plus Champagne-based cocktails are usually very simple and can be dished out in bulk fast.

It must have two other ingredients - and two only! To represent two people. Jonathon and his wife Samantha both come from Malaysia, but now reside in USA. So I decided to use Cranberry juice and Guava juice. Sort-of a East meets West thing.

And there it was! A blend of Cranberry juice, Guava juice, and topped with Champagne! I named it after Jon’s blog: Two Lives One Love. Two juices, married by one Champagne. You geddit? Eh-heh Eh-heh…

Ingredients:

• 30ml Cranberry Juice
• 30ml Guava nectar
• Champagne to top

Method:

• Pour the juices into chilled Champagne flutes and top it up with ice-cold Champagne or sparkling white wine.

That’s not me or Jon. Its a handsome friend. Its the only picture I have of the drink! Plus I like the background in this picture.

I’m really glad the cocktail came out well. Especially since I didn’t have time to try it out and taste it first!

It tastes kinda similar to a Belini… but different . Its still a unique drink that is sure to please anyone at a celebration.

Cheers!

This entry was posted on Monday, May 28th, 2007 at 9:53 am and is filed under Cocktails, Tripping Overseas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.