So Uncivilized

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Cocktail History

The So Uncivilized is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created in honor of May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day.

Paying tribute to Obi-Wan Kenobi, the refined Jedi Master and pivotal figure in the second Star Wars trilogy, the recipe captures the character’s elegance and depth by starting with Cognac as its foundation and layering in flavors of citrus, baking spices, and chai for a complex and warming profile. The result is a golden-hued cocktail that mirrors Obi-Wan’s wisdom and sophistication—a fitting toast to a beloved figure from a galaxy far, far away.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cognac: This is a type of brandy made with specific grapes from the Cognac region of France, water, alcohol, and sugar that’s distilled and aged according to strict regulations.

Licor 43 Original Liqueur: This is a liqueur that’s made in Spain with a proprietary blend of 43 ingredients, vanilla, citrus, alcohol, water, and sugar.

Mandarine Napoléon Liqueur: This is a liqueur that’s made in Belgium with mandarin oranges, aromatic botanicals, Cognac, water, and sugar.

Chai Liqueur: This is a liqueur that’s made the chai tea spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, alcohol, water, and sugar.

Rich Brown Sugar Syrup: This is a sweetener that’s made with two parts brown sugar and one part water to create a thick syrup with a caramel and molasses flavor.

Orange & Fig Bitters: This is a highly concentrated flavoring made with bitter orange peels, figs, spices, roots, herbs, botanicals, alcohol, and water that’s used in small amounts to add depth and complexity.

Orange Twist: This is a thin strip of orange peel that’s twisted to release its oils.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Courvoisier VSOP Cognac
• 🔗 Licor 43 Original Liqueur
• 🔗 Mandarine Napoléon Liqueur
• 🔗 Twisted Path Distillery Chai Liqueur
• 🔗 Crude Bitters & Sodas “Sycophant” Orange & Fig Bitters

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills and provide grip for glasses and tools.

Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool, typically with one side measuring 1 fl oz and the other 1.5 or 2 fl oz, that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers.

Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy, wide-bowled glass that’s used to stir cocktail ingredients before they’re strained and served.

Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used to stir, layer, and reach the bottom of tall cocktail glasses.

Julep Strainer: This is a flat, perforated metal strainer with a handle that’s used to strain cocktails from a mixing glass into a serving glass while keeping ice and solids behind.

Peeler: This is a kitchen tool with a sharp blade that’s used to remove the outer skin or peel from fruits and vegetables efficiently and safely.

Nick & Nora Glass: This is a small, stemmed glass with a gently curved bowl that’s used to serve spirit-forward cocktails with smaller portions.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Premium Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass
• 🔗 Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Julep Strainer
• 🔗 OXO Good Grips 2 Piece Peeler Set
• 🔗 Viski Nick & Nora Glass

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Warm brown-orange hue
• Aroma: Bright citrus notes layered with aromatic spices
• Taste: Creamy vanilla flavor that unfolds into chai-inspired spices and herbs, rounded out by dry brandy and a hint of orange
• Finish: Lingering baking spices with subtle fig sweetness and a touch of tart citrus

Kendall’s Take
“I usually gravitate toward lighter, more playful cocktails for sipping during rewatches, but the So Uncivilized completely won me over. The chai comes through bold and warming, while the citrus, fig, and syrup gently soften the brandy’s spice to create a layered, comforting sip. Every taste feels like Obi-Wan Kenobi in a glass—sophisticated, thoughtful, quietly reassuring… It’s a cocktail that really captures the essence of the Jedi Master in the most delightful way.”

Recipe