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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 in Cognac, France with distilled white wine. I used Courvoisier VSOP Cognac.
Licor 43: This is a liqueur made in Spain with a secret blend of forty-three ingredients, including spices, herbs, roots, citrus, sugar, alcohol, and water.
Mandarine Napoleon Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with mandarin oranges, tangerines, botanicals, sugar, and brandy.
Chai Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with black tea, spices, sugar, alcohol, and water.
Rich Brown Sugar Syrup: This is a sweetener made with 2:1 brown sugar and water.
Orange & Fig Bitters: This is a food product made with oranges, figs, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Scrappy’s Bitters “Sycophant” Orange & Fig Bitters.
Orange Twist: This is the peel of an orange that has been twisted into a corkscrew shape.
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, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy, wide-bowled glass that’s used to stir ingredients before they’re strained and served. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring, layering, and reaching the bottom of tall cocktail glasses. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is a flat, perforated metal strainer with a handle that’s used to strain cocktails from a mixing glass or tin into a serving glass while keeping ice and solids behind. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Peeler: This is a small, handheld tool with a sharp blade that’s used to remove the outer skin of fruits and vegetables. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.
Nick & Nora Glass: This is a small, stemmed glass with a gently curved bowl that used for serving cocktails with smaller portions. I used the Viski Nick & Nora Glass.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Brown-ish orange color
• Aroma: Citrus and spices
• Taste: Vanilla flavor followed by chai’s spices, herbs, dry brandy, and orange
• Finish: More baking spices, fig, and tart citrus
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “I usually lean toward lighter, more playful cocktails, but I can’t resist giving the So Uncivilized five stars. The chai hits first, bold and warming, while the citrus, fig, and syrup gently soften the brandy’s spice. Every sip feels just like Obi-Wan Kenobi in a glass, in my opinion—sophisticated, thoughtful, and unexpectedly comforting. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine any drink capturing the Jedi Master any better than this one.”
Recipe
So Uncivilized
The So Uncivilized is a Star Wars Day-inspired cocktail paying tribute to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Crafted with Cognac, bright citrus, warming baking spices, and subtle chai notes, this amber-hued drink balances sophistication and character, capturing the essence of the legendary Jedi Master.
Ingredients
Method
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Add brandy, Licor 43, Mandarine Napoleon liqueur, chai liqueur, rich brown sugar syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass.
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Fill mixing glass with cubed ice.
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Using a bar spoon, stir for 30-45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
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Using a julep strainer, strain into a Nick & Nora glass.
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Garnish with orange twist.
