Dolores Way
Dolores Way by Karri Kiyuna
For the toast to the Loris Box, I’m slowing things down with a delicious low alcohol content (ABV) cocktail featuring a classic styling of aromatized wine. Vermouth is an often misunderstood category of spirit which originated in Turin, Italy in the mid to late eighteenth century. It is essentially an aromatized wine, using local grapes, botanicals, roots and herbs of the region, which has been “fortified” by the addition of neutral grain alcohol. House made vermouths on the rocks or mixed with soda water were and continue to be a popular drink at Italian cafes in the afternoon. Vermouth is also a staple ingredient of many great classic cocktails like the Americano, the Manhattan, and the Negroni. Craft vermouths are currently having a moment in the American spirits market and are very popular in drinks now.
This is the way
Bartender Karri Kiyuna got her start in Georgia before climbing the ranks of San Francisco’s cocktail scene. She is now “Head Bird” at Wildhawk, a mostly female run lounge where she has developed a number of low ABV cocktails including this one, which features Martini and Rossi’s new Ambrato vermouth, a higher quality product than their standard line, with rich honey notes and an amber hue which lends the name. She named the drink after her Grandmother, Dolores, who would have loved the bright, floral flavors and low alcohol profile. The light and refreshing vermouth is anchored by a small dose of bold aquavit, and the drink gets a complex boost as well from another small dose of Bitter Bianco, a deceptive amaro which looks clear but tastes like a classic red bitter spirit. The peppercorn tincture lends a touch of spiciness and ties it all together for a very pleasurable experience. Take this one slow and enjoy the solution. Cheers!
right this way
Dolores Way by Karri Kiyuna
2 ounces Martini & Rossi Ambrato Vermouth
½ ounce aquavit, preferably Linie
½ ounce Luxardo Bitter Bianco
1 dash peppercorn tincture (peppercorn infused high proof vodka)
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Lemon twist garnish.