As anyone with even the slightest knowledge of the book Alice in Wonderland knows, we are introduced to the Mad Hatter at a tea party where he is presiding. Naturally, any cocktail in homage to this insane anti-hero should be tea based or at the least have a tea infusion. For the classic Jabberwock cocktail variation on this theme I chose to infuse the classic gin base with an acerbic and wildly colorful tea, which seemed just right for this character. Hibiscus has a vibrant magenta pop and a tart bite to it. The best gin to use here should shy away from the classic London dry, juniper heavy style, which would overwhelm the hibiscus.

I must be mad but I couldn’t stop there. In place of the sherry found in the original recipe, I used another fortified wine – madeira. Madeira is produced specifically on its namesake islands off of Portugal. It is distinct among the category of fortified wines (wines that have added distilled grape spirits to fortify / preserve them) due to how its historical trade routes, being shipped in casks through the tropics on route to international ports, effected its taste. The journey caused a heat aging reaction that is now replicated through a process called “estufagem”. Gesundheit! Like sherry, madeira can range from dry to sweet. I used the sweet Malvasia (or Malmsey, Doce) style here to compliment the acidic and tart hibiscus flavors. Put it all in a tea cup and ponder the eternal question, “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” – cheers!

The Hatter’s Box

1 oz hibiscus tea infused gin

1 oz sweet madeira

1 oz Caperitif

2 d orange bitters

Stir ingredients together with ice and strain into a tea cup. Garnish with an orange peel hat.

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