Po Di Poli Grappa Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Make honey syrup

   If you do not already have honey syrup, make it first: combine equal parts honey and hot water (for example 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup hot water). Stir until the honey dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Cool to room temperature before using.

2. 2

   Chill glass

   Place a rocks glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you build the cocktail.

3. 3

   Combine ingredients

   In a cocktail shaker, add 1.5 oz Po di Poli grappa, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz honey syrup, 0.25 oz sweet vermouth (optional) and 2 dashes orange bitters. Add enough ice to nearly fill the shaker (about 1 cup).

4. 4

   Shake

   Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled and slightly frosted. The vigorous shake helps integrate the honey syrup and aerate the grappa for a smoother mouthfeel.

5. 5

   Prepare serving glass

   Discard the chilling ice or remove the glass from the freezer. Place a large ice cube or sphere in the chilled rocks glass.

6. 6

   Strain

   Double-strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube using both the shaker strainer and a fine mesh sieve to remove any small ice shards and citrus pulp.

7. 7

   Garnish and serve

   Express the oils of a lemon peel over the drink by holding the peel over the glass skin-side down and giving it a firm snap so oils spray onto the surface. Rub the peel along the rim if desired, then drop the twist into the glass as a garnish. Serve immediately.

8. 8

   Optional adjustments

   If you prefer a drier drink, omit the honey syrup or reduce to 0.25 oz. For a sweeter, richer profile, increase honey syrup to 0.75 oz or omit the vermouth. Adjust lemon to taste.