Eau De Vie Sour
Ingredients:
60 ml Eau de Vie (choose your preferred fruit variant)
30 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
20 ml Simple Syrup
Egg white (optional)
A dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Pour in the eau de vie, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
If using, add the egg white for a frothy texture.
Shake vigorously until well chilled, about 20-30 seconds.
Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
If you've opted for it, add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
Revel in the refreshing taste of your Eau de Vie Sour.
The History of the Eau de Vie Sour
The Eau de Vie Sour, while not steeped in lengthy historical tales, is indeed a variant of the classic Sour family of cocktails, which have a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 19th century. Sours are defined by their simple but delightful combination of a spirit, a sweetener, and a citrus - in this case, the spirit is the vibrant eau de vie.
Interesting Facts about the Eau de Vie Sour
The Meaning of Eau de Vie: The term 'eau de vie' translates from French as 'water of life', which is quite fitting considering the spirit's ability to infuse life into any cocktail. It is a clear, colourless fruit brandy that is produced by means of fermentation and double distillation.
Varieties of Eau de Vie: Eau de vie can be made from virtually any fruit. Some of the more well-known versions are made from pear, apple, and cherry, but there are also more exotic variants made from fruits like raspberries (framboise) or even cactus pears.
Adding the 'Sour' to Eau de Vie: The 'sour' in any sour cocktail, including the Eau de Vie Sour, comes from the addition of a citrus element, most commonly lemon juice. This tart component cuts through the sweetness and the strength of the other ingredients to create a perfectly balanced cocktail.
The Eau de Vie Sour at 1806
At 1806, creating an Eau de Vie Sour is an artistic endeavour, a mesmerising balance of tart, sweet, and fruit-filled eau de vie. The result is a cocktail that sizzles with vibrancy, akin to a lively dance of flavours on the palate.
With each sip, one can almost hear the whisper of an orchard, the sweet, fruity notes of the eau de vie blending perfectly with the tartness of the lemon and the smooth sweetness of the simple syrup. The optional frothy crown of egg white adds a soft cloud-like texture, transforming each sip into a dreamy experience.
The Eau de Vie Sour is more than just a cocktail; it is a celebration of the eau de vie's versatility and charm, a testimony to the harmony of contrasting flavours, and above all, an invitation to a delightful dance of refreshment, one that leaves you asking for an encore.
Mastering the Eau de Vie Sour
Creating the Eau de Vie Sour requires a certain finesse, akin to conducting an orchestra where every instrument has its part to play.
The eau de vie takes the lead, of course, with its fruit-infused melody. It's the eau de vie that sets the tone, which could be anything from the light, crisp notes of an apple eau de vie to the rich, deep undertones of a blackberry variant. It's fascinating to imagine the variety of experiences one can create simply by changing this one element in the cocktail.
Then comes the lemon, the sharp, tangy citrus that breaks through the sweetness of the eau de vie and the simple syrup. It's the perfect counterpoint, the note that gives the Eau de Vie Sour its identity.
The simple syrup is the harmoniser, smoothing the edges and blending the flavours. It's the background against which the eau de vie and the lemon shine.
For the adventurous, the Angostura bitters provide an interesting interlude, adding a complex layer of botanical flavours to the fruity, sour cocktail.
And finally, the optional egg white. It's the finishing touch, the frothy crescendo to the symphony of flavours in the Eau de Vie Sour.
Enjoying an Eau de Vie Sour
An Eau de Vie Sour is not a cocktail to be hurried. It's one to be savoured, sipped slowly to appreciate the balance of the sour, sweet, and the fruit notes of the eau de vie. It's the kind of cocktail that lends itself to a quiet evening, to moments of reflection, or to a lively conversation with friends.
Each Eau de Vie Sour is a toast to the 'water of life', a celebration of the fruits of the earth transformed into a delightful spirit, and a nod to the artistry of cocktail making. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest combinations can offer the most satisfying experiences.
Every sip of an Eau de Vie Sour at 1806 is a journey, a dance of flavours, a symphony of notes that ring with the history of the eau de vie, the tradition of the Sour, and the passion we pour into each cocktail. It's an exploration, an adventure, and above all, an indulgence. So here's to the Eau de Vie Sour, a testament to the harmony of contrasting flavours and the joy of discovering them, one sip at a time.