TOP 10 CZECH COCKTAILS - THE LEGACY OF JACOB DOUBEK
16 April, 2014.
TOP TEN CZECH COCKTAILS - THE LEGACY OF JACOB DOUBEK
My wife decided to throw an Easter party for our friends and business associates. "Could you handle the drinks?" she asked over breakfast last Monday.
"Certainly," I responded without looking up from the morning news.
"Not the same old thing. Let's not be boring this year," she said in a slightly more insistent tone. "I mean, have all the necessary beer and wine, but think up some new punch or cocktail mixes or something. Let's try to be a little novel. We're all getting so boring. Even our parties are boring. How about Czech cocktails? Something special to celebrate the Czech and Slovak heritage we share with our friends here in London. Are you listening?" she asked causing me to look up over the morning paper and surrender with a smile.
"Great idea," I said.
"Oh, for God's sake," she sputtered. "Do you have any idea what I just said?"
"Yes, of course. You want me to get the beer and wine for some party we're throwing."
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "I want you to be creative about it. I meant it, Milos. Let's try to celebrate an old fashioned Czech Easter in a new and exciting way. Are you listening, Milos?"
Thus began my research into Czech cocktails. There was only one place to go; to my friend Jacob Doubek who lived up over McGowan's Pub on Walm Ln. in Willesden Green. Jacob is the retired legendary mixologist from the Two Steps Bar in the Kempinski Hotel Hybernska.
"Yes, yes, Milos. I will teach you true Czech cocktail recipes made with the finest of natural spirits found only in the old country," Jacob agreed enthusiastically. "This will be my legacy to the Czech and Slovak people here in London."
Three and a half hours later, I left Jacob's little flat with the following recipes. The names are mine, but the recipes are strictly Jacob's. I pass them on to you to enjoy this Easter, and for many Easters to come here in London.
MASH ME
GLASS: collins
METHOD: build in ice filled glass
INGREDIENTS:
4cl Spiš Original Blueberry
Brown sugar
lime juice
sprite
GARNISH: 3 slices of Cantaloupe
SWEET SIDE OF LIFE
GLASS: collins
METHOD: build in ice filled glass
INGREDIENTS:
4cl Spiš Original Pear
1dl Mango juice
1dl Tonic
GARNISH: Mint
INDIANA PLUM
GLASS: collins
METHOD: build in ice filled glass
INGREDIENTS:
4cl Spiš Original Plum
2dl tonic
GARNISH: Slice of Orange
Serve over ice in a tall highball glass
DESERT ROSE
GLASS: tall old fashioned
METHOD: combine in ice filled glass
INGREDIENTS:
4cl Spiš Original Cherry
1dl Cranberry Juice
1dl Sprite
GARNISH: Slice of Lime
The combination of fresh fruit flavors bolstered by the kick of a little fermentation will surprise your taste buds. Jacob Doubek rounded out his top ten Czech cocktails with the following recipes:
JUST GREAT
GLASS: collins
METHOD: stir and pour over ice
4cl Karloff TatraTea 52% Original
7cl apple juice
1cl orgeat sirup
2cl lime juice
GARNISH: cinnamon, lime, spiral from citrus
MARMOT
GLASS: collins
METHOD: build in ice filled glass
INGREDIENTS:
3cl Karloff TatraTea 62% Goral
1cl grenadine sirup
1cl Dijon Peach Liquor
6cl currant juice
soda
GARNISH: yellow melon, cherry, mint
BETON BITTER
GLASS: wine
METHOD: build in ice filled glass
INGREDIENTS: ml/parts
40/1.35 Becherovka Original
15/0.25 KV14
Top up with tonic water
GARNISH: citrus slices
BOHEMIAN
GLASS: old fashioned
METHOD: shake all ingredients and strain into ice-filled glass
INGREDIENTS: ml/parts
30/1 Becherovka Original
15/0.5 freshly pressed lemon juice
10/0.25 elderflower cordial
20/0.75 fresh pineapple juice
GARNISH: slice of cucumber
MINI SPANKY TINI
GLASS: chilled martini / coupet
METHOD: stir all ingredients with ice and strain into glass
INGREDIENTS: ml/parts
30/1 Becherovka
30/1 calvados
20/ 0.75 sweet vermouth
2 dashes orange bitters
GARNISH: twist of orange peel
CZECH MATE
GLASS: chilled martini/coupet
METHOD: shake all ingredients and strain into glass
INGREDIENTS: ml/ parts
30/1 Becherovka original
30/1 Havana 3YO
10/0.25 orgeat/almond syrup
10/0.25 fresh lime juice
20/0.75 cloudy apple juice
GARNISH: twist of lime peel
Jacob Doubek's top ten cocktails all have one thing in common; the liberal use of fresh fruit and liquors of the highest quality imported from the Czech Republic.
"Brilliant," my wife exclaimed after I made her a few samples. "I knew you could do it."
She really didn't.
16 April, 2014