This is the cocktail of the season at Chez Jones.
We discovered The Grapest Cocktail Ever at Mud Hen Tavern, Susan Feniger’s neighborhood bar that we’re wildly lucky to have down the road. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know we adore all things Feniger and this cocktail is no exception. As soon as we tasted it we were hooked and the amazing staff at Mud Hen were kind enough to share the recipe.
Pavan is a sweet liqueur made from muscat grapes and orange blossoms that we first discovered at Mud Hen. It tastes almost like grape candy and a little goes a long way. I can’t wait to experiment with more recipes using this liqueur.
We also happened to fall head over heels in love with the bottle which is why this post looks a little like a Pavan ad. I promise we have no association with the company. What I do have is a burning desire to finish off our bottle and turn it into a vase.
Even though there’s only a quarter ounce in each drink, Pavan is completely critical to this recipe and so worth getting. They didn’t carry it at my closest Bevmo but I found it at my second stop, our local beverage specialty store. Find it, buy it, and make this drink.
Fresh, sweet, tart, and herbal, this drink has everything. The combination of grape, basil, and lemon is really indescribable – you just need to make it. Don’t leave off the salt and pepper garnish – it brings everything to a new level.
Seriously, if you’re going to make one cocktail this year, make The Grapest Cocktail EVER!
Ingredients
- 3 basil leaves, torn
- 4-5 grapes
- 1.5 oz Gin (Mud Hen uses Aviation)
- .25 oz Pavan Liqueur
- .75 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- .5 oz simple syrup
- Sea salt & freshly ground pepper
Instructions
Muddle basil and grapes with gin. Add Pavan, lemon juice and simple syrup. Top with ice and shake vigorously using a cocktail shaker.
Pour into an old fashioned glass and top with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
https://www.homesweetjones.com/2014/12/mud-hen-tavern-grapest-cocktail-ever/
This drink is SOOOO GOOOOD! I cannot recommend it enough.
If you happen to be anywhere near Hollywood you can go have them make one for you at Mud Hen.
I’m in love! I have to track down Pavan, the flavors sound incredible.
I hope you can find some. Words can’t describe the deliciousness of this drink – you have to try it yourself 🙂
This is rapidly becoming the most made recipe on our blog. Thomas Keller Chicken and Jalapeno Margarita
better look out!!!
Mmmmm… I want one right now. Let’s make them this weekend!