Spring has come to Paris, bringing the spirit of rejuvenation and change. Lockdown made it hard to enjoy sunny days, but we’re not giving up on getting seasonal vibes. Twitter and Instagram are already flooded with people presenting their ideal home-made focaccias and sourdoughs. But if you are more into breaking bad than baking bread, we have a better idea. Extraordinary Edinburgh-based Dandy Chef is not only an experienced chef but also a skilled mixologist and sartorial enthusiast. These unique traits make him aim at balancing elaborate flavor with exquisite appearance. We couldn’t resist asking to share his favorite spring recipes with French aperitifs that will please our palates this season.
Pirate Fizz
Thanks to the blend of kiwi and lime Pirate Fizz is refreshing and perfect for warmer days. Mixed with rum, and a bit of French aperitif, it’s a great combination that will shiver your timbers!
- 3 kiwi fruits
- 1 lime
- 50 ml white rum (Havana Club)
- 25 ml white vermouth (Lillet)
- Soda water
Peel and blitz 3 kiwis with 50 ml of Havana Club 3yo or any white rum. Then you transfer this blend to a mixing glass filled with ice, top up with 25 ml of Lillet Blanc, and shake well. Serve in a tall glass filled with ice and top up with soda water.
Elderflower Gin Fizz
If you crave something thirst-quenching, yet with a subtle taste, there is nothing better than Elderflower Gin Fizz. Sweetness harmonized with a bit of bitterness is our favorite savory pairing this season.
- 40 ml of gin (Colonsay Gin)
- 20 ml of elderflower liquor (St-Germain)
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp of sugar syrup
- Squeeze of lime
The secret to creating the perfect creaminess and froth is to shake, shake, shake. Take all of your ingredients and add them to a shaker and dry shake(without ice) for about 10 seconds. Add a couple of ice cubes and shake well Double strain into a fizz glass and top up with soda.
Daffodil
Daffodil is a more sophisticated version of Elderflower Gin Fizz that will spice up your evenings. There is no better way to appreciate spring Friday and Saturday nights than sipping a refined cocktail during a small apéro on your balcony.
- 40 ml of gin (Kinrara Distillery)
- 20 ml of elderflower liquor (St-Germain)
- 10 ml of lemon juice
- 1 whole egg
- Dash of simple syrup
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
The Daffodil should have a texture almost like eggnog, creamy and smooth, how do you get that? By adding an egg yolk into the mix. Take all of your ingredients and add them to a shaker and dry shake(without ice) for about 10 seconds. Add a couple of ice cubes and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Mary Poppins’ Nightcap
Most of us work remotely now, and sometimes it’s tough to cope with stress. A stylish nightcap inspired by Mary Poppins will guarantee satisfying sleep after a hard day of challenges and deadlines. Best to be served in an antique Chinese teacup.
- 40 ml of gin (Jezabel Gin)
- 80 ml of green rooibos cold brew tea
- 10 ml of elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
To prepare Mary Poppins’ Nightcap, you are going to need a little bit more than a spoonful of sugar. First, let’s start with your cold brew rooibos tea. Take 1 tea bag and steep it for at least 6 hours before you’re going to use it in your cocktail, it’s a perfect time to relax while binge-watching your favorite series on Netflix. Add all of your ingredients to a shaker glass filled with ice and shake well. Strain into a fancy teacup and enjoy it.
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