When the weather is bitterly cold, our first instinct is to prepare a large cup of steamy hot cocoa to leave us feeling as if we’ve wrapped ourselves with a soft blanket. It’s that same comfort which makes us brave enough to face blizzards and arctic winds. When the hazy, humid temperatures of summer finally arrive, what can we do to achieve the same cozy feeling that only a mug of hot chocolate can provide, minus the warmth? For the answer, we went to world renowned mixologist Junior Merino, also known as “The Liquid Chef.” Merino was one of our three selected Latin bartenders that helped us discover the top honey cocktails and since then, we’ve been waiting to see what he would create for us next. For a drink that immediately winds us down like an hour-long massage, Merino took us back to the chilly season and this time, we didn’t dread it.
The Rested Winter is summer’s equivalent to hot chocolate, only spiked up with the finest liquors for a sophisticated experience. Unlike typical chocolate martinis that are often dry, bland, and weak, the Rested Winter incorporates less sugar and fluff for a rich, grown up taste that even the prissiest socialites will love. The Rested Winter includes Siembra Azul Reposado, a light tequila nectar with bold spices and burnt orange notes, along with Castries, a peanut rum crème blended with Madagascar vanilla, St. Lucian rum, and faint hints of caramel. Castries is certainly not your jar of peanut butter from the fridge! However, the star of Rested Winter is Kahlua, a Mexican coffee liqueur mixed with sugar cane spirits, vanilla, and vodka that can be savored alone. It’s no wonder Kahlua is often used in chocolate-based dessert recipes to enhance flavor and texture. Believe it or not, your sweet tooth won’t be fully satisfied without Navan Liqueur, which adds more vanilla, along with butterscotch. The Rested Winter is smooth and sensual, like steamy black coffee and luscious, melting chocolate. There’s no other cocktail that soothes us from stress, while quenching our thirst, cooling us down, and leaving us feeling content long after the last drop. Why settle for a frozen hot chocolate when Merino’s enticing recipe will give you a taste of winter?
Rested Winter Recipe
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Siembra Azul Reposado
1 ½ oz. Castries
½ oz. Kahlua
¼ oz. Navan
1 Cinnamon stick
1 Star Anis
1 tbsp. of Coffee Beans
Preparation
Pour all the ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice, shake drink, and strain into a martini glass.
