The opening of another installment in the Jedi universe certainly calls for a good drink.  This one comes from Adam Bernbach, a Washington, D.C. area mixology Jedi, and relies heavily on a delicious fortified wine called Barolo Chinato.  Barolo is a sweet red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy.  Like many other vermouths, aperitifs and digestifs we have discussed, Barolo Chinato is created with a secret family recipe of herbs, plants and spices infused into the Barolo wine, including quinine, the same tree bark used to prevent malaria and make tonic water.  

The Darkside by Adam Bernbach. The gin is light and the Barolo is dark ... hmmm

In the “Darkside” cocktail, Bernbach combines the bittersweet wine with a subtle juniper gin and Peychaud bitters.  The gin complements the quinine flavors of the wine (as in a gin and tonic), while the Peychaud (a medicinal tonic developed in New Orleans in 1830 and used in the classic “Sazerac”) adds anise flavors to the mix.  The result is just right, with a blend of flavors reminiscent of the Negroni.  Perhaps you've already tried this cocktail, on a pit stop at the Mos Eisley Cantina, en route to Dagoba?  If not, go ahead and mix one up for yourself – this is one time it’s okay to be swayed by the Darkside.  And don’t forget to try a different pairing with the Barolo Chinato as well – many experts agree it is the perfect drink to enjoy with a piece of fine dark chocolate.  Cheers – and may the force be with you!

Don't be angry ... you can have one too

The Darkside by Adam Bernbach:

2 ½ oz Plymouth gin

1 oz Barolo Chinato

3 dashes Peychaud bitters

Twist of lime peel

1 whole star anise

Stir gin, Barolo Chinato and bitters together with ice. Strain into a glass.  Express the lime peel into the drink and garnish with it and the star anise. 

Balance has been restored to the galaxy

May the Force be with you!