Latvian Black Hole Sun

1 1⁄2 oz Aquavit, Ahus Akvavit
1⁄2 oz Black Balsams
1⁄2 oz Alchermes, Heirloom Alchermes
1⁄2 oz Bianco Vermouth (Comoz Blanc Vermouth)
2 ds Orange bitters, Regans' orange bitters
1 twst Orange
Instructions

Stir with ice, strain into rocks glass with clear sphere of ice. Garnish with thin spiral orange twist on sphere.

History

I was looking for a way to balance the assertive cinnamon/clove sweetness of Alchermes and felt it could stand up to Riga Black Balsams. The song Black Hole Sun was going through my head the whole time. I tried the mix first with Linie Aquavit, but that was too potent/peppery. I dialed back with Ahus Akvavit and replaced part of it with Comoz Vermouth which added some balancing sweetness and white wine.

Unfortunately, there are several Black Hole Sun cocktails already, but the name and presentation were too good to give up, so I noted the Riga (Latvian) inspiration in the name.

Cocktail summary
Created by
Shawn C., Fresno, California
Year
2023
Is the
author's original creation
Curator
Not yet rated
Average
4 stars
(1 rating)
YieldsDrink
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Comments

Note that the amaro is Heirloom Alchermes, not Heirloom Pineapple Amaro that the ingredient selection defaults to. I don't know if there is a way to separate them. Alchermes is an ancient class of liqueur, with a deep, dark red due to cochineal bug used as dye. This American made version uses an extract from the bug (per the label), and has an intense cinnamon and clove, with some other spices, vanilla and rose. Alchermes is rich and Italian versions feature in some confectionery recipes.

I have added the ingredient Alchermes as an herbal liqueur, and the brand Heirloom Alchermes to the ingredient list so that I could enter the correct ingredient. Please let me know if there are any problems.