Vermut and Sherry Cocktail: “The Rule of Three” Solera Standout 2018 Winner, Devin Kennedy

As a “standout” competition, I resisted the urge to use a lot of homemade ingredients or infusions. Instead, I decided to curate ingredients to let the Lustau products “Stand Out!”. Thus comes “The Rule Of Three”.

As the Latin phrase “omne trium perfectum” says (“Everything that comes in threes is perfect or complete”). Using 3 base ingredients in equal parts that all enhance each other to create a lovely sipper that would make your Grandma like Vermut & Sherry.

Mahon Gin is the base Spirit, a fun Gin from the island Menorca in Spain. This gives us a nice botanical foundation that’s not too heavy handed, with nice notes of Citrus, Pine Needles & Pink Peppercorn.

Lustau Palo Cortado Peninsula Sherry is added to add some depth with notes of green almonds , under ripe apples & salty sea breeze on the palate. It also lends some natural acidity to give the cocktail a little ¡Pop!

And Lastly, The Lustau Blanco Vermut comes in as a flavor lengthen, echoing the floral components that are in the Mahon Gin , as well as the almond & mineral quality in the Palo Cortado. The moscato grapes in the Vermut gives a hint of fruit & sweetness to balance the cocktail out.

This cocktail is pretty simple on paper, but Stands our in the glass! It can be made with ease by anyone with equal parts ratio & the availability of ingredients.

Vermut and Sherry cocktail ingrients – “The rule of three”

• 1 oz. Mahón Gin
• 1 oz. Lustau Palo Cortado Peninsula Sherry
• 1 oz. Lustau Blanco Vermut
• 3 drops of Pink Peppercorn Tincture*
• Grapefruit Twist Stirred in the Glass

How to make “the rule of three” Cocktail – Step by Step

Express a Grapefruit twist into a mixing glass & throw it in the glass as well. Combine all ingredients & stir until proper dilution for a up drink. Strain into coupe. Express grapefruit twist & garnish.

*PINK PEPPERCORN TINCTURE

Steep 10 gr. of Pink Peppercorn in 16 oz. of High proof Neutral spirit for a day (everclear, etc.). Strain out peppercorns to a dropper bottle.

Garnish: Fancy Grapefruit Twist

Glassware: Coupe

Imagine drinking this on a beach in Jerez, with your 3 buddies as you watch the sunset discussing the next adventure. That’s what I plan to do… Salud!

Devin Kennedy