Sweet’s Dream Martini

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Cocktail History

The Sweet’s Dream Martini is a Sips From Scripts original cocktail that was created for Sweet’s Elderberry. Neither of us had tried elderberry syrup before receiving a bottle and were surprised by how dry it was. We expected the sugar rush of a typical simple syrup, and instead found it tastefully nuanced while still berry-forward. Given its complexity, we thought it would be the perfect complement to the Martini formula made 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. We used Tanglin Gin Orchid Gin because it has a bright, crisp juniper taste and notes of coriander, angelica root, vanilla, and citrus. flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try MONDAY Zero Alcohol Gin in place of the gin.

Marsala Sherry: This is a type of fortified wine made in Spain with white grapes. We used Florio Dry Marsala Wine because it has a rich and deep flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Non-Alcoholic Sherry Flavoring in place of the sherry.

Elderberry Syrup: This is a sweetener made with elderberries, spices, sugar, and water. We used Sweet’s Elderberry Syrup because it has a complex elderberry flavor and is made with high quality ingredients.

Rosemary, Grapefruit, & Peppercorn Bitters: This is a food product made with rosemary, grapefruit, peppercorn, botanicals, and alcohol. We used Crude Bitters “Rizzo” Rosemary, Grapefruit, & Peppercorn Bitters.

Maraschino Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with Maraschino cherries, honey, herbs, spices, sugar, and alcohol. We used Luxardo Maraschino Orginale Liqueur because it has a distinct earthy aroma and sweet cherry flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Trader Vic’s Premium Maraschino Cherry Syrup in place of the cherry liqueur.

Bartending Tools

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

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We 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. We used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.

Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We 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. We used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.

Libbey 8876 Art Deco 6 oz Martini Glass, Set of 6 with Bonus FDL Picks

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A Bar Above 10-Piece Premium Stir Set – Cocktail Mixing Glass Set – Stirred Home Bar Kit – Old Fashioned Kit with Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass – Great for Martinis, Manhattans & More

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Tasting Notes

The Sweet’s Dream Martini features light aromas of elderberry and sherry, has a dry and herbal initial taste that leads into a subtle sweetness while in the mouth, and leaves the lingering flavors of elderberry and sherry on the tongue. The dry nature of the syrup lends just enough flavor to be noticeable without making the recipe sickly sweet.

Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: 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. Alex thought it was a great blend of herbal flavors and light fruitiness, while Kendall preferred hers with a bit more of the maraschino liqueur to bring the sweet flavors forward.

Recipe

Sweet’s Dream Martini

The Sweet’s Dream Martini is a Sips From Scripts original cocktail that was created for Sweet’s Elderberry. Neither of us had tried elderberry syrup before receiving a bottle and were surprised by how dry it was. We expected the sugar rush of a typical simple syrup, and instead found it tastefully nuanced while still berry-forward. Given its complexity, we thought it would be the perfect complement to the Martini formula made with gin, sherry, bitters, and cherry liqueur.

Origin: Novel Nightcaps Method: Stirred Base Spirit: Gin, Wine

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Prep Time 3 mins Assembly Time 2 mins Total Time 5 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 1 Calories: 155 Best Season: Any

Ingredients

Servings

• 1.5 fl oz Gin

• 0.5 fl oz Sherry

• 0.5 fl oz Sweet's Elderberry Syrup

• 2 dashes Rosemary, Grapefruit, & Black Peppercorn Bitters

• 1 dashes Maraschino Liqueur

Method

1. Add gin, sherry, elderberry syrup, bitters, maraschino liqueur, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.

2. Stir for 30-45 seconds.

3. Strain into a cocktail glass.

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