There’s still time for those mushrooms

By Nathalie Baylaucq 29.11.2024

Ah, mushrooms! Those humble yet marvellous denizens of the forest floor, so often overlooked, yet so richly endowed with a character that both beguiles the palate and elevates the art of the cocktail.

Their essence is a treasury of umami—a savoury profundity that one might liken to the hearty embrace of a fireside on a chill winter’s eve—bringing balance to the sweet, the sour, and the bitter with a quiet yet undeniable authority. Consider, if you will, the earthy grounding of porcini, the subtle allure of shiitake, or the aristocratic whisper of truffle, each a testament to nature’s genius. Beyond their flavour lies their versatility: a gentle sweetness in the chanterelle, a velvety richness that lends itself to syrups and infusions, and an aroma that transports the drinker to a sylvan glade, redolent of damp leaves and woodland air. Paired with the herbaceous whispers of gin, the bitter complexities of amaro, or the warming depth of whiskey, they transform a mere libation into an ode to the sublime, a sip of which lingers long in both memory and heart.

Here’s a new mushroom-based cocktail using real mushrooms for a fresh and earthy experience:

Cocktail Recipe: Smoky Mushroom Mezcal Fizz

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons orange juice
2-3 fresh mushrooms (such as shiitake or cremini), thinly sliced
3 tablespoons mezcal
1 tablespoon triple sec (optional)
1 tablespoon salt (for the rim)
Ice
1 cup sparkling water (preferably lime-flavored)

Instructions

Prepare the Rim:
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass.
- Dip the rim in salt to coat.
Muddle the Mushrooms:
- In a cocktail shaker, add the sliced mushrooms and gently muddle to release their earthy flavors.
Mix the Cocktail:
- Add lime juice, orange juice, mezcal, and triple sec (if using) to the shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
Strain and Serve:
- Double strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with sparkling water for a fizzy finish.
Garnish:
- Optionally, garnish with a thin mushroom slice on the rim or a lime wheel.

This cocktail highlights the savory, earthy notes of real mushrooms, balanced with citrus and a smoky touch from the mezcal. Enjoy this unique and refreshing twist!

Don’t drink and drive.