Do You TY KU? at The Intoxicologist

Dabbling in the world of cocktails one spirit at a time…

Do You TY KU?

This fun spirit has already begun generating interest with its 100 calorie cocktails and celebrity sightings. The trendy bottle even creates buzz with its unique design of built in light up flair. After taking a peek at a few recipes on the official TY KU website (especially the Godzilla) I am reminded of one specialty liqueur that took the nation by storm last year; NUVO Sparkling Liqueur. Is TY KU Liqueur setting the groundwork to run parallel with NUVO or is TY KU Liqueur hoping to vie for top spot over the pretty pink liqueur as the next spirit to be reckoned with on the cocktail scene?

TY KU Liqueur is obviously more versatile than NUVO with its lack of bubbly flamboyance. There is a vast array of cocktails ready to go at a moment’s notice on the site with a line of spirits to back its play. The drawback of TY KU Liqueur is the overwhelming sweetness, perfumed acidic taste and candied sweet tart aura it gives off in its bite when poured straight from the bottle and consumed neat. To be fair, not many will ever consume TY KU Liqueur in this manner unless no ice is handy or desperation has overtaken their better judgment. TY KU Liqueur plainly recommends that it be chilled. Once chilled it is still too sweet for my taste by itself or over ice, but this is liqueur which means there is added sugar even if the claim is there is less than most traditional liqueurs on the market.

TY KU Liqueur does lend itself well to cocktails. The base takes the place of artificial lemon and lime juice rather nicely with an unusual twist. Sour mix could be rendered completely useless with the addition of TY KU Liqueur. Tropical cocktails may experience a new Asian influenced invasion this summer as bartenders begin topping off pink and blue drinks with glow in the dark green.

There are a few things TY KU Liqueur does not pair so easily with even if their official cocktails listing seems to say so. The Pink Panther sounds like fun. I loved the original Pink Panther movies as a kid. Pink Panther cartoons kept me mesmerized for their total lack of words and wonderfully simple music. TY KU’s interpretation of the cocktail includes gin which is a little cutting edge and risky.

Pink Panther

2 ounces TY KU Liqueur

1 ounce Gin

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

Combine liquids over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass.

First of all the cocktail does not really turn pink. Second, I realize liquor companies and bartenders may hesitate to specify a particular brand on occasion, but in the case of Gin specifically it really is a must in the white spirits category. Gin is not generic any more so than Scotch. Gins range from fruity, floral or vegetable toned to wispy or harsh. The degrees are vast and change the character of the cocktail they are added to depending on which Gin is used at any given time.

In any case TY KU’s Pink Panther comes out entirely too sweet, perfumish in fact. The perfume overlay is a combination of the TY KU/Gin mix. Gin’s juniper plays with the acidic floral candy taste in TY KU to such a degree that unique turns to odd in a split second and it becomes a little off-putting. The flavor reminds me a little of one of my favorite liqueurs strangely enough; St-Germain. The difference being the Pink Panther cocktail strikes an edge of overboard sweetness within the acidic metallic range that goes beyond the realm of cocktail balance that St-Germain defines so well within the flavor of their liqueur.

However, TY KU Liqueur’s character is a no brainer when it comes to mixing with tequila.

Emerald Benefactor – created by The Intoxicologist

2 ounces TY KU Liqueur

1 ounce Patron Silver

1/2 ounce Licor 43

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for fifteen seconds. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

The TY KU Liqueur is acidic enough to carry its weight in a cocktail without adding a squeeze of acidic fresh tart juice such as lemon or lime. A hint of buttery sweetness lightens the load of sharp tang from the TY KU and the lemon garnish works out nicely for subtle balance and suggestion of lemony freshness. TY KU Liqueur already brings plenty of citrus appeal making this the perfect liqueur to pair with tequila.

It will be interesting to watch TY KU Liqueur make its mark on cocktail culture as consumers reach for the glowing bottle and play with it in low calorie cocktails and shake up a few new varieties on their own. Even more interesting is watching the trend of consumers and celebrities following some spirit brands while other brands generate no following at all in that direction. While many brands have a wide consumer base, the focus is less on the ‘who drinks us’ and more on the ‘why people drink us.’ At any rate, no matter who else consumes anything the decision of taste should always be a personal one. So, decide for yourself. Pick up a bottle and see if TY KU Liqueur is a spirit that suits you.