Massaya – Blend Recipe

Measure wine

Pour 1 cup of Massaya Blend red wine into a mixing glass or shaker. Use a medium-bodied red with fruit and spice notes to mirror the Massaya profile.

Add spirits and sweetener

Add 1/4 cup brandy, 1/2 tablespoon orange liqueur, 1 teaspoon honey syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to the wine in the mixing glass. These components fortify the wine and add orange-citrus and subtle sweetness to balance tannins.

Bitters

Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to introduce aromatic spice and depth.

Express orange oil

Hold the orange peel over the glass and firmly squeeze or snap it to express the oils across the surface of the drink, then rub the peel along the rim for extra aroma.

Add star anise

Drop the whole star anise into the mixing glass (or into the serving glass) to infuse a faint licorice-anise aroma.

Fill a rocks glass with 2–3 large ice cubes. Stir the wine and spirit mixture briefly in the mixing glass with a bar spoon (about 8–12 gentle turns) to properly chill and lightly dilute the blend. Strain the mixture over the ice in the serving glass.

Garnish with the expressed orange peel (rest it on the rim or float it on top) and the star anise. Serve immediately.