Pure Gold: Saffrodesiac

Photo Credit: Drake Sweeney

Christopher Hamm

Saffron is a potent spice: intense and aromatic with a subtle earthiness and hint of honey. Chefs leverage saffron for its vibrant golden color and distinct, assertive flavor. Today, it’s finding its way into mixology thanks in part to keen exploration of savory cocktails.

At Soif, a Parisian-inspired wine lounge, the Saffrodesiac is the brainchild of Christopher Hamm, Beverage Director. “There are not many cocktails in Chicago that focus specifically on saffron,” he says, explaining his desire to build a drink that would highlight the fragrant spice. Opting for Apologue saffron liqueur, Hamm tried pairing it with virtually every base spirit before settling on Neisson Rhum Agricole. “I went through five iterations of the cocktail before I landed on the final recipe.”

The Saffrodesiac has deep maple and floral notes, with a nutty orgeat providing a solid flavor base, says Hamm. Lemon juice turns up the brightness as “punctuation,” while Tiki bitters add another spice layer. “It feels like an escape in a cocktail glass,” he says. “The Saffrodesiac is one of those drinks people order multiple times, which is really awesome to see.”

Read more Best of Flavor 2023