Worlds Collide

Worlds Collide by Trevor Corlett

In keeping with the Locks and Libations theme I am presenting another “unlocked cocktail” to pair with this masterpiece of security. It’s also a fitting end for “Negroni Week”, the international charity event which ran from June 4-10 this year. It’s quite challenging to create a good non-alcoholic Negroni substitute, since the original drink calls for equal parts of three distinct spirits and has no juices, syrups or tonics.

A complex play of flavors reminiscent of a Negroni cocktail

An unusual approach which works is to use high quality coffee, which brings acidity and balanced bitterness to the drink. Madcap Coffee Company from Grand Rapids Michigan has done an impressive job with this creation, their “Worlds Collide” coffee negroni. The name is a nod to the mashup of the coffee and spirits industries, as well as the international combination of flavors found in the drink. I think the name perfectly reflects the remarkable achievement of Rainer Popp’s T11 lock as well. The drink incorporates Madcap’s Double Third Coast espresso with a homemade orange - pink peppercorn syrup and berry shrub. Like the original Negroni and the T11, this drink is an acquired taste, a challenge to the palate and senses, and while you may not solve its nuances immediately, you can enjoy it for the beauty of its construction and appearance alone. Here’s to unlocking life’s greatest challenges. Cheers!

Popp in sometime to unlock this pair

World’s Collide by Trevor Corlett

½ oz orange-peppercorn syrup

2 oz espresso (Third Coast)

1 oz sparkling water

¼ oz berry shrub

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Add syrup and coffee to an ice filled glass and stir to chill.

Strain into a fresh glass, top with sparkling water, shrub and bitters and stir.

Garnish with the key to a great challenge.

For prior unlocked cocktails: