The Gin Cocktail With Wood-Fired Flavor

Jordan Joseph

At Brodeto, Raleigh’s love letter to Adriatic cuisine, the wood-fired grill isn’t just for the kitchen. It touches everything, including the cocktails. The Adriatica, created by Jordan Joseph, beverage director of Brodeto’s parent company Crawford Hospitality, brings grilled complexity to the glass. Built on a base of Uncle Val’s gin, it layers the citrusy perfume of fire-charred Meyer lemons with fresh basil and a subtle drizzle of Sicilian olive oil. “This drink is all about simplicity and technique,” says Joseph. “It’s a great example of what ‘less is more’ is all about.”

Shaken with the honey, lemon juice and a touch of olive oil, the cocktail is fine-strained and served up. More than a flourish, the oil is an integral flavor component. “We tried fat washing, but this method offered better integration and texture,” Joseph notes. He finishes the cocktail with dots of olive oil across the surface. His culinary approach to cocktails, blending fat and acid, shines here. “This drink is a simple play on a traditional sour or gimlet,” says Joseph. “It’s been a big hit.”

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