The Intoxicologist

Ponce de Leon could definitely be described as vintage, classic or totally retro, but the cocktail is far from it.  The man sailed rough seas with Christopher Columbus in search of a new world.  The cocktail brings sipping satisfaction in the dawning of a new age.  It is the era when bartending and mixology once again become respected as an art form and craft. 

This cocktail may contain mere five ingredients, but many and exotic does not always equate to a better cocktail.  Numerous classic cocktails contain few ingredients in typical proportions.  The goal is balance of flavor.  Ponce de Leon delivers.  Though there are a few variations on this cocktail, the one found in Dark Spirits by A.J. Rathbun tempts the palate with its multi-layering of light and dark spirits. 

Ponce de Leon

Dark Spirits by A.J. Rathbun

1 ounce Courvoisier Cognac

1/2 ounce Bacardi Superior Rum

1/2 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce Grapefruit Juice

1 ounce Freixenet Champagne

Combine all liquids (except champagne) in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to chill. Strain into a champagne saucer or martini glass.  Top with champagne.  Stir gently.  Specific spirit brands chosen for this cocktail were not named in the Dark Spirits book with the exception of Cointreau.  Spirit brands were chosen by The Intoxicologist.

Lovely round, lush sweetness without being overly sugary.  Faint hint of grapefruit bitter in the finality, bringing the flavors together in perfect harmony.  That is before the champagne topper!  Champagne adds more sweetness and thins the cocktail out a little more. 

Cocktails of 2010: Recipes, Images & Slideshows – Drink Recipes & Photos

Reviews – Classic Cocktails – Black Pearl – Conjure Cognac: Conjuring Up Spirited Cocktails

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

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Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved