The announcement of the day, which I'm very excited to pass along, is that we have reached a decision in the Grapefruit Cocktail Contest. It took a bit to narrow down to three finalists and to the ultimate champion because there were so many great recipes submitted for this one - I am, in fact, impressed that a simple ingredient like grapefruit could be taken to such levels of creativity by every one and thank you! - and the name of the drink seems fitting after the duration of the deliberation. It's About That Time is the cocktail and Andrew Pollard is the creative soul behind it.
It's About That Time is a complex cocktail, but as I say in the recipe, don't let the little things overwhelm you because it can easily be broken down to a simple understanding and is worth every second you spend building this beauty. I do not, however, discount the consensus that this is not a quick drink to make and is more likely useful for occasions where you really want to impress guests. From what I gather, both Mayhew and Milligan had to try this one more than once, just to make sure it was that good.
Before you skip over to the recipe, here's the low down on what it entails... Gin, Campari, Spiced Grapefruit Sour, Mint, Tonic, and Atomized Caramelized Grapefruit Bitters. You may ask first about those bitters, right? Essentially, Pollard pours bitters in a atomizer and sprays them over the drink with a lit brulee torch in hand. Crafty!
Thank you Andrew for sharing this wonderful drink and congratulations! I'm sure I will be referencing It's About That Time often.
Check out the It's About That Time recipe...
We had a lot to work with when all the submissions came in and it's important to point out the other two fabulous grapefruit cocktails that went into the final judging...
First off we have the Cheater Five by Andy Forstel. This is a mix of the always fascinating Broker's Gin, Cocchi Americano, Strega, St. Germain, ruby red grapefruit, and bitters. Milligan comments that it is one of those "simple drinks that become greater than their parts" while Mayhew wonders if it really needs the Strega. I agree with both, the drink is enjoyable as written, but if you don't have one of the liqueurs there's no need to fret, just make the rest of the drink.
Then there is Pretty in Paloma by Tobin Shea. Who doesn't love a great Paloma, right? In this recipe Shea has amplified the great tequila cocktail and it celebrates the marriage of tequila and grapefruit in a splendid way. The addition of elderflower is a happy little surprise that adds to the earthiness so there's a balance of vegatal and citrus flavors.
Thank you to everyone, we have thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of grapefruit. Now it is on to Absinthe and there's just over a month to submit a cocktail for that. Share your absinthe cocktail here...
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