Unleash the Star Power of Angostura With Trinidad Sour
If I had to choose one bottle of bitter to drink for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be Angostura. Omnipresent at the bar, distinctly dressed in a yellow cap and a large paper label with dizzying small print, Angostura Aromatic bitters are easily recognizable in both appearance and taste. I often see a bottle pushed to the back of a home liquor cabinet, gathering dust and waiting for its moment to shine. It’s a pity, because Angostura is a real workhorse in the cocktail arsenal. As a truly great drummer or a strong supporting actor, he can elevate anything from good to great to even downright irresistible. This is Margo Martindale among the cocktails.
You know to put it in old fashion, but add some vanilla ice cream and come back to me. Or the next time you get hiccups, dip a lime (or lemon) wedge in this mixture, dip it in sugar, and suck out the pulp. It’s time to use that bottle you’ve had for the past five years. Let’s treat it with the respect it deserves and treat it like a complete ingredient, not a side dish for granted.
Invented by Giusepe Gonzalez around 2008, Trinidad Sour is great in cocktails, allowing it to take center stage by using it as the base spirit in a whopping 1 ½ ounces (accompanied by rye, orjei and lemon). While technically classified as undrinkable and therefore legal for sale in grocery stores, Angostura is no joke with 45% alcohol by volume. Call it subversive casting or hidden loophole, but it’s kind of brilliant. At first glance, this is a ridiculous drink, if not pompous. It inspires confusion and restraint, and yet… it makes sense.
After shaking, the bitter emulsion turns into a foam of copper and rust color. After a sip, the complexity of its taste is revealed deeper and better defined. Yes, it’s bitter, but definitely (and quite tasty) drinkable. The taste will stay with you literally as the potency of Angostura will open camp on your taste buds for a while. It may or may not stain your teeth (temporarily), and you may or may not like it, but you will definitely not forget it.
Trinidad Sauer
- 1 ½ oz angostura bitters
- ½ ounce rye
- ¾ ounce lemon
- ¾ oz orgata
Add all ingredients to a shaker, fill with ice and shake vigorously for 12-16 seconds, then strain into a chilled compartment.