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Cocktail History
The Sweet’s Dream Martini is a modern cocktail that was created by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of Sips From Scripts, for Sweet’s Elderberry. After discovering how dry, tastefully nuanced, and berry-forward their elderberry syrup was, he chose the Martini formula to accent its complexity and paired it with gin, sherry, bitters, and cherry liqueur.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Gin: This is a spirit made with juniper berries, botanicals, and alcohol. I used Tanglin Gin Orchid Gin.
Marsala Sherry: This is a type of fortified wine made in Spain with white grapes. I used Florio Dry Marsala Wine.
Elderberry Syrup: This is a sweetener made with elderberries, spices, sugar, and water. I used Sweet’s Elderberry Syrup.
Rosemary, Grapefruit, & Peppercorn Bitters: This is a food product made with rosemary, grapefruit, peppercorn, botanicals, and alcohol. I used Crude Bitters “Rizzo” Rosemary, Grapefruit, & Peppercorn Bitters.
Maraschino Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with Maraschino cherries, honey, herbs, spices, sugar, and alcohol. I used Luxardo Maraschino Orginale Liqueur.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Dark purple-red color
• Aroma: Elderberry and fortified wine
• Taste: Dry herbal flavor with a subtle sweet cherry taste, juniper notes, and distinct sherry
• Finish: Slightly bitter berry
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “Don’t let the name fool you! This Martini is as dry as it is dark and is sure to please those with discerning palates. It has a great blend of herbal flavors and light fruitiness, but I think I would prefer a bit more of the maraschino liqueur to bring the sweet flavors forward if I made the Sweet’s Dream Martini again.”
Recipe
Sweet’s Dream Martini
The Sweet's Dream Martini is a modern cocktail that was created by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of Sips From Scripts, for Sweet's Elderberry. After discovering how dry, tastefully nuanced, and berry-forward their elderberry syrup was, he chose the Martini formula to accent its complexity and paired it with gin, sherry, bitters, and cherry liqueur.
Ingredients
Method
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Add gin, sherry, elderberry syrup, bitters, maraschino liqueur, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
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Stir for 30-45 seconds.
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Strain into a cocktail glass.
