A Low-ABV Cocktail for Cookouts
On paper, a burger and Cabernet Sauvignon suit each other quite nicely. But while outside in the heat of summer, do you really want the “Cab sweats” caused by drinking a high-ABV red? I’ll recommend instead this cocktail that features a salt-and-pepper lime cordial accompanied by Salers, a low-ABV French aperitif made from aromatic gentian root. The fresh, herbal, and vegetal flavors of Salers—combined with sweet-seasoned lime—truly capture the spirit of the season. Drink together, shaken over ice, and topped with soda, for a sunny summer refresher.
Salers Delight
MAKES 1 COCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ ounces Salers
1 ½ ounces Salt-and-Pepper Lime Cordial*
Club Soda
Lime Peel (grilled, optional)
DIRECTIONS
Shake Salers and cordial in a tumbler with ice. Pour over ice into a rocks or Collins glass. Top with soda to taste. Garnish with a strip of lime peel.
*Lime Cordial
1 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
1 teaspoon crushed pink peppercorns
In a small pot over low heat, combine all ingredients. Stir just until sugar and salt are dissolved, then remove from heat and cool. Allow the mixture to infuse for an hour, then strain. Note that you’ll still see flecks of pepper after straining … which is part of the fun.
