Here’s a toast to nostalgia, then, on this graduation weekend. The cocktail, by Bangkok, Thailand bartender Noppasate Hirunwathit won the Bacardi Legacy competition in 2018. Hirunwathit recalls the memories of food and drink from his childhood as the inspiration for his drink, as well as the impetus for his career. “The bitter taste of medicine when we were sick, the taste of lollipops or our favourite fruits” can evoke those first time experiences with those flavors, and he recreates such a personal experience in the glass with this cocktail.

The exotic flavors of of banana, almond and coconut are perfectly complimented by the anchor spirit, rum. A little dry sherry balances the sweetness, and hints of smoky scotch play with the sense. The overall effect is lovely, and while sipping this drink may not cause you to recall your own memories of growing up in Southeast Asia, you can certainly appreciate the sensation of being transported back to a place tucked away in your mind. Here’s to that wistful feeling of what already was, which starts to form even as the moment is ending in happy celebration. Cheers.

Nostalgia by Noppasate Hirunwathit

1 2/3 oz white rum (Bicardi Carta Blanca Superior)

1/3 oz banana liqueur (Giffard Banane du Bresil)

5/6 oz coconut water

1/6 oz orgeat

1/6 oz fino sherry

5 dashes peated Scotch (Caistel Chamuis)

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass with ice

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