Sorcière’s Brew Cocktail

Prep Time Cook Time Serves
5m 2 cocktails

This is a French witch’s brew (hence the sorcière name) because it uses a very French liqueur named Izarra. This alcohol comes from the Basque region that sits next to the border with Spain. With the strong minty overtones, it is typically used in making a Basque mojito. For me, it’s even more delicious in this cocktail for Halloween…I mean, just look at the color of it. No filter or food coloring added here!

Big thanks to my friend Emma who helped develop this cocktail. She seems to be a natural mixologist. I hope there will be more Emma cocktails to come!

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 ounces Izarra liqeur
  • 1 ounce gin
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup
  • juice of 1/2 a lime
  • 1 fresh mint sprig
  • 2 pitted whole lychees
  • 1/2 teaspoon raspberry jam
  • 2 blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS

Put the izarra, gin, simple syrup, lime juice and mint sprig in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. With the lid securely on, vigorously shake for 20 seconds. Strain the liquid into two martini glasses.

For the eyeball garnish, place a quarter teaspoon of raspberry jam into the hole of the lychee. Place a blueberry inside. Repeat for your second eyeball garnish. Carefully thread a long toothpick through the lychee and balance on the rim of your glass. Enjoy….brouhahahahaha.

COOK'S TIPS

Izarra is a liqueur from the French Basque region. It is the result of the combination of 16 rare plants and spices. But to sum it up I would say that the smell and taste is primarily peppermint and anise (like licorice).

Given the minty flavor, it is no surprise that this liqueur is often used in making a Basque version of a mojito.