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Cocktail History
The Latin Trifecta is a modern cocktail that was created by Jamie Bordreau, the founder of Canon Whiskey & Bitters Emporium in Seattle. He came up with the drink to pay homage to romance language-speaking countries by adding the complexity of bitter Cynar, which originates in Italy, to the frequently paired tequila, a spirit from Mexico, and sherry, a fortified wine from Spain. He then paired them with sweet orange flavors for balance.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Tequila: This is one of the base spirits. We used Arette Reposado because it’s light and peppery, and it’s affordable.
Cynar: This is an amaro. It adds a bitter herbal flavor with notes of toffee, caramel, and cinnamon.
Dry Sherry: This is the other base spirit. We went with fino sherry, a type of fortified wine that is drier and has a slight almond flavor.
Orange Bitters: These sweeten the drink and add citrus flavor and complexity. We used Angostura Orange Bitters because they pair well with their aromatic bitters.
Orange Peel: This is the garnish. It adds fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
Tasting Notes
The Latin Trifecta features the noticeable aroma of orange from the flamed expression, a fairly muted initial taste with just a quiet hint of the Cynar’s sweetness, followed by an explosion of flavors in the back of the mouth and on the swallow.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: Although a little too bitter for Kendall because she’d never tried Cynar, Alex thought this was a very tasty drink that’s great for slow, contemplative sipping. It also does a good job of representing the three countries of origin in taste and feeling. If you’re a fan of Cynar, it’s definitely worth giving this one a try.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks by the editors of PUNCH and Megan Krigbaum.
AuthorThe Essential Cocktail BookPrep Time5 minsAdd tequila, Cynar, sherry, orange bitters, and ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Flame orange peel and add to glass as garnish.
Ingredients
Directions
Add tequila, Cynar, sherry, orange bitters, and ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Flame orange peel and add to glass as garnish.
Tools & Glassware We Recommend
More Cynar Cocktails
If you like this cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
• Mexican Tricycle: A mezcal cocktail made with Cynar, hard cider, and a lime wheel
• Boo Radley: A bourbon cocktail made with Cynar, cherry liqueur, a lemon peel, and an orange peel
• Trident: An aquavit and sherry cocktail made with Cynar, peach bitters, and a lemon peel
