Ottolenghi Inspired Cocktail Recipe

By Nathalie Baylaucq 2.12.2024

We challenged our Spirits Hunters team to craft a cocktail inspired by the vibrant, flavor-rich world of Yotam Ottolenghi.

This creation reflects Ottolenghi’s signature style: a drink that’s innovative, colorful, and packed with bold, Middle Eastern-inspired flavors.

While Ottolenghi isn’t associated with a specific cocktail, an homage to his culinary philosophy would include fresh herbs, distinctive syrups, and a harmonious balance of sweet, tart, and aromatic notes—a sensory celebration in a glass.

Yotam Ottolenghi is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and food writer celebrated for his Middle Eastern-influenced cuisine. After training in French pastry at Le Cordon Bleu in London, he co-founded his first deli with Sami Tamimi in 2002. Today, the Ottolenghi brand includes nine delis and restaurants in London and Bicester Village. Known for bestselling cookbooks such as Plenty and Jerusalem, Ottolenghi has redefined modern cooking with his vibrant, vegetable-forward dishes.

Chef-patron of the Ottolenghi group, he is the author of nine best-selling cookery books which have garnered many awards. Additionally, he has been a weekly columnist for the Saturday Guardian for over fifteen years and is a regular contributor to the New York Times.

Ottolenghi Inspired Cocktail

Ingredients:

• Base spirit: 60 ml (2 oz) gin, infused with sumac (infuse by soaking 1 tsp sumac in 120 ml gin for 1-2 hours, then strain).

• Citrus: 30 ml (1 oz) fresh lemon juice.

• Herbal note: 3–4 fresh basil leaves.

• Syrup: 15 ml (0.5 oz) simple syrup infused with pomegranate molasses (combine equal parts sugar and water, heat gently, and stir in 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses for every 100 ml syrup; cool before use).

• Topping: A splash (30–60 ml) of sparkling water or tonic.

• Garnish: Pomegranate seeds, a sprig of fresh basil or thyme, and/or a lemon twist.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base: In a shaker, muddle the fresh basil leaves gently to release their aroma.

2. Combine ingredients: Add the sumac-infused gin, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

3. Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice (a highball or large coupe glass works well).

4. Add effervescence: Top with a splash of sparkling water or tonic for a refreshing finish.

5. Garnish: Sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds on top and add a sprig of fresh basil or a lemon twist for visual appeal.

Optional: Serve with Middle Eastern-inspired snacks like spiced nuts or marinated olives to enhance the experience!

For the rim of your Ottolenghi-inspired cocktail, consider something that complements the Middle Eastern flavors while adding a pop of texture and visual appeal. Here’s a suggestion:

Sumac and Salt Rim

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp sumac

• 1 tsp flaky sea salt (like Maldon salt)

• Optional: A pinch of sugar for a sweet-salty balance

Instructions:

1. Mix the rim seasoning: Combine the sumac, salt, and optional sugar on a small plate.
2. Prepare the glass: Rub a lemon wedge along the rim of your glass to make it sticky.
3. Coat the rim: Dip the rim of the glass into the sumac and salt mixture, twisting gently to ensure an even coat.
4. Final touch: Let the rim dry for a minute before pouring the cocktail to avoid smudging dishes.

Cheers!