To fully enjoy a verbena cocktail, there are a few steps you can follow to ensure the best drinking experience. Here's a detailed guide on how to drink a verbena cocktail:
1. Gather your ingredients: Start by gathering the necessary ingredients for the cocktail. You will need lemon verbena leaves, ginger syrup, blanco tequila, yuzu-calamansi sour mix, ice, and a Szechuan button for garnish.
2. Prepare the cocktail shaker: Take a cocktail shaker and add a handful of fresh lemon verbena leaves into it. The lemon verbena leaves will provide a bright and citrusy flavor to the cocktail. Next, add the ginger syrup into the shaker. Ginger syrup adds a spicy and aromatic note to the drink.
3. Muddle the ingredients: Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently muddle the lemon verbena leaves and ginger syrup together. This process helps release the flavors and aromas from the ingredients. Be sure not to over-muddle, as it can result in a bitter taste.
4. Add the tequila and sour mix: Once the leaves and syrup are muddled, it's time to add the blanco tequila and yuzu-calamansi sour mix. Blanco tequila is a clear and unaged tequila that provides a smooth and clean taste. The yuzu-calamansi sour mix adds a tangy and refreshing element to the cocktail.
5. Shake the cocktail: Fill the shaker with ice and securely seal it. Shake the cocktail vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to thoroughly chill the drink and blend the flavors together. The shaking process also helps to dilute the cocktail slightly, balancing the flavors.
6. Strain and serve: After shaking, strain the cocktail into a double rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This step ensures that any herb or ice particles are removed from the final drink, resulting in a smooth and clean presentation. The double rocks glass is ideal for serving this type of cocktail, as it allows room for ice and garnish.
7. Garnish with a Szechuan button: To enhance the sensory experience of the verbena cocktail, garnish it with a Szechuan button. These small yellow flowers are known for their unique numbing sensation when consumed. Placing a Szechuan button on top of the drink adds a surprising and exciting element to the overall drinking experience.
8. Enjoy responsibly: Savor your verbena cocktail slowly, taking in the aromatic and flavorful notes with each sip. Remember to drink responsibly and in moderation.
By following these steps, you can fully enjoy the refreshing and vibrant flavors of a verbena cocktail. Experiment with different variations and adjustments to suit your personal taste preferences. Cheers!