Greetings and Salutations, fellow Vancouver drink-lovers!

Spring is in the air, restaurant patios are opening, and the sun shows itself at least twice a week. It’s a magical time indeed, and if you’re searching for something to get you in the mood for all the heavy patio-drinking that’s just around the corner, then the sours-inspired “Kiss From a Rose”, at Yaletown’s Goldfish Pacific Kitchen, is the perfect springtime concoction to get things started.

Now, I’m not going to lie: ordering a cocktail with a name like that isn’t the manliest feeling. It also doesn’t help that when it arrives, it’s pink-hued, with three cucumbers strategically garnishing the rim (to give it the appearance, we’re told, of a blooming flower), but trust me: Sounds emasculating. Tastes awesome.

The cocktail is essentially a Gin Sour, but, while a traditional sours recipe calls for three parts spirit, two parts citrus, and one part sugar (usually in the form of a simple sugar-syrup), this recipe called for only one part of each. In this case, the sugar-syrup itself had been infused with rose, which sweetened and augmented the botanical flavours of the Hendricks gin (which happen to be rose and cucumber, among others), and nicely balanced out the freshly-squeezed lime that gives that special back-of-the-throat tickle that any good Sour should contain. (Can we have a quick cheer for the lime, everyone? They really are the bartender’s best friend) All of these robust flavours were then seasoned by a dash of peach bitters (bitters are commonly found in all kinds of drinks, and usually comprised of genitian root, cascarilla, herbal extracts, and flavours). Although subtle, the peachy tang was definitely evident and gave a zesty spin to this sour recipe.

In short, it’s a perfect springtime drink: pleasant, floral scent, robust, slightly sour, yet refreshing taste, subtle peach undertones. Pleasant presentation. Extremely fitting name. It’s a great complement to the days of rising temperatures, blooming flowers, and the start of Grind Season.

Now, if only I could shake this feeling of emasculation…

Drink up, Vancouver!
Cheers.

(Additional Graphics by Carwyn Sanders)