CTN: Negroni week. Late.

Technically, I'm not even in the right month, but I was really enjoying this drink and it's not almost, but not entirely unlike a Negroni. And, it's the first cocktail that I found benefits from the use of Dolin dry vermouth, which is spectacular by itself or with soda water, but also spectacularly incompatible with most spirits and liqueurs. The result is more than the sum of its parts, sweet but lip-smacking.

1.5 oz. gin
2 oz. Dolin dry vermouth
1 oz. IKEA rhubarb syrup

IMG_2556.JPG

[David M. Bueker]

Rhubarb syrup? Didn't know such a thing existed.

[Robin Garr]

Rhubarb syrup? Didn't know such a thing existed.

I think Walter got the last bottle.

Rhubarb syrup? Didn't know such a thing existed.

I think Walter got the last bottle.

One of my favorite things about Europe is the availability of rhubarb pastries, jams, etc. It's not just made to play second fiddle to strawberry, dangit!

Naturally, when I saw some rhubarb simple syrup at IKEA, I picked up several bottles. It makes a delicious soda mixed 1:4, and I'm going to try mixing it with elderflower liqueur, as that's a Christine Ferber confiture flavor.

Walt

Walter, you know already that there are bitter liqueurs from Italy that are based on rhubarb (Rabarbaro). There's now a new one, from the same company that makes Cappelletti aperitivo. It's not only rhubarb; it's a sfumato---smoked rhubarb from the Trentino-Alto Adige.

Only been in country a couple of months so it's just now getting out in distribution, but it will be in California.

https://www.sipfinewine.com/spirits/Cappelletti-Amaro-Sfumato-Rabarbaro-w9961204vv

One of my favorite things about Europe is the availability of rhubarb pastries, jams, etc. It's not just made to play second fiddle to strawberry, dangit!

Indeed. Rhubarb is a big (and delicious) flavor here in Germany. Of course Rhabarber-Schorle (rhubarb juice with sparkling water) is a popular and more interesting alternative to apple juice with sparkling water. But I'm more of a water or wine person anyway, and don't consume many prepared drinks. However rhubarb ice cream is on my short list of top flavors for the summer. (It's a long short list, but you get the idea)

Good local bakery here in Portland (small chain) called Grand Central Bakery.

They do some impressive pastry---like Jammers; big, thick biscuits with a healthy scoop of (usually) marionberry preserves blotched on top just before baking. Also "Monkey Muffins" Also Bread Pudding Muffins.

But just the other day I spotted something new: Rhubarb Babka.

Baked with a little paper skirt, just slightly glazed on the top, and outstanding rhubarb flavor, more tart than sweet. Could have even done without the icing. Every bite a delight.

Could have even done without the icing..

With the exception of cupcakes, that is usually a valid sentence.