We will take our travels to South Africa for a change for a refreshing drink to wet the thirst for adventure.

This cocktail was a previous finalist in the prestigious Bacardi Legacy international cocktail competition.

It was created by innovative Cape Town bartender Nick Koumbarakis, who has said he enjoys the idea of “cross pollination of different sub cultures” and seeks to merge flavors and concepts in his cocktails.

Perhaps he would like the cross pollination of the puzzle and cocktail worlds as well.

The Tourist by Nick Koumbarakis

In his “The Tourist” cocktail, he starts his journey with the recognizable aroma of roasted El Salvador coffee beans, which to him evoke the memory of his father reading the morning newspaper, and lend a backbone of character and integrity to the drink.

His travels take him to Italy where he adds sweet vermouth and amaretto, then to India and Indonesia where exotic cardamom creates hints and memories, on to Greece for a tickle of saffron, and finally of course to Cuba by way of Puerto Rico with the spirit itself, Bacardi rum (no entry in the Bacardi Legacy competition is complete without it!).

I’ve recreated this delicious and fascinating cocktail to help the Bear get ready for his journey.

I suspect it will be richly rewarding.

Cheers!

World travel in a cup

The Tourist by Nick koumbarakis

7 dried cardamom pods

35 ml light white rum (I used Bacardi 8 which certainly changes the drink dramatically but was delicious)

30 ml sweet vermouth

12 ½ ml Amaretto

18 grams roasted coffee beans

Muddle cardamom in a mixing glass then add remaining ingredients and stir with ice.

Strain into a demitasse cup and garnish with an orange peel, a float of 151 rum, and a misting of saffron essence.

Sip and start a journey of your own.

This pair is set for adventure