In the spirit of Ernest Hemingway’s famous quote, “Paris is a moveable feast,” we propose a culinary interpretation: the transportable feast. Unlike moveable feasts that shift dates, transportable feasts accompany you wherever you go. Easter and Passover, holidays that dance around the calendar, are traditional moveable feasts, but we believe any occasion that marks the start of brunch season deserves the same distinction. After all, brunch is the epitome of a moveable feast, offering a delectable union of breakfast and alcoholic libations.
With this concept in mind, we present three brunch cocktails that form the holy trinity of the genre: the Bloody Mary, Mimosa, and Ramos Fizz. Each has been localized and enhanced with the addition of one or more new-ish ingredients, reflecting the spirit of spring and its promise of renewal and new beginnings.
Hemingway also noted, “When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest.” This sentiment resonates particularly with Northern California this year. Our spring-inspired Ramos Fizz combines gin, cream, Cointreau, lemon juice, and whole egg, creating a fluffy concoction adorned with orange zest and grated nutmeg. The richness of the yolk adds depth to this delightful drink, while coconut cream replaces milk cream, eliminating potential curdling and adding a touch of richness.
Our Rosy Mimosa boasts a vibrant hue reminiscent of mimosa blossoms. The addition of tangerine juice imparts a delightful tartness, complemented by the zesty notes of mandarin vodka. This variation may deviate slightly in color from the classic Mimosa, but its vibrant flavor more than compensates for any chromatic difference.
Finally, our Umami Snapper takes inspiration from the Bloody Mary and Bloody Caesar, combining the aromatic essence of gin with the umami depth of fish sauce. The black lava salt-rimmed pint glass adds a touch of visual intrigue, while the harmonious blend of ingredients showcases the elusive fifth taste: umami.
As the author of “Twenty Years Behind Bars: The Spirited Adventures of a Real Bartender, Vol. I and II,” the host of the Barfly Podcast on iTunes, and an award-winning bartender, Jeff Burkhart brings his expertise to these cocktail creations, ensuring a moveable feast that delights and refreshes with every sip.
