Dundee operator tells SLTN about two of his venue’s seasonal serves
WITH the festive season fast approaching, Nikos Matsikas of Brasserie Ecosse in Dundee gives us the lowdown on two of the venue’s Christmas cocktails: the Pink Margarita and the Hypnotiq Harmonie.
What is the Pink Margarita?
Our Pink Margarita is made with Patron silver tequila, Aperol, lemon juice, and blood orange juice served in a mini Patron glass bottle, which is handmade. It looks really beautiful.
Presentation is everything with our premium cocktail selection here at Brasserie Ecosse.
Why a Margarita? What do you find interesting about that classic drink?
It’s always been associated with glamorous ladies, with Dallas socialite Margarita Sames reputed to have concocted the drink for her guests at her Acapulco holiday home in 1948.
However, Jose Cuervo was already running ad campaigns for the Margarita three years earlier, in 1945, with the slogan, “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.” According to Jose Cuervo, the cocktail was invented in 1938 by a bartender in honour of Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa.
Some say the cocktail’s history begins at the legendary Balinese Room in Galveston, Texas, where, in 1948, head bartender Santos Cruz created the Margarita for singer Peggy (Margaret) Lee. He supposedly named it after the Spanish version of her name, Margarita.
Whatever story is true, there is no doubt that the Margarita is an appealing, sexy cocktail, known for its attractive salt rim.
The salt is not just for decoration though, as the salty flavour is an essential part of the overall drink, complementing the lime.
If making your Margarita pink why not add something like Himalayan pink salt around the rim? It goes perfectly with Margaritas as well as so many other dishes.
What is the Hypnotiq Harmonie?
We have had great feedback on this glamorous Champagne cocktail.
A blend of premium French vodka, exotic juices, and a touch of Cognac, the Hypnotiq is topped with Champagne foam and, instead of a traditional garnish, I use a mini rubber ducky!
It has a vibrant violet colour which not only looks beautiful, but makes it ideal for layering.
It also mixes well with white wine, Champagne, or enjoy it simply over ice.
