London’s calling. And we can’t wait to tune in. Toast the five rings with Olympics-themed cocktails, available at select Kimpton bars and restaurants in San Francisco and Washington D.C.
If you can’t make it out, don’t worry. We’re passing the torch to you with these recipes, so you can concoct your own at home.
Enjoy the games!
Bar Rouge’s “Rouge, White & Blue”
From Washington D.C., Bar Rouge
“Rouge, White & Blue”– Mixologist Rico Wisner
1.5 oz. Bluecoat gin
.5 oz. white peach puree
1 oz. fresh brewed iced black tea
.75 oz. hibiscus grenadine**
.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Top with a splash of soda. Garnish with a white peach slice (or a gold medal if you have one lying around.)
**Hibiscus Grenadine:
1 tbsp. dried hibiscus flowers (aka: sorrel, jamaica, flor de jamiaca). Use a bit more if you use whole blossoms and a little less if it’s a tea-like consistency.
1 cup hot water
1 cup sugar
Steep hibiscus in water for 10 minutes. Stir in sugar. Simmer lightly until the liquid is reduced to approximately 2/3 of its original volume. Strain. Can keep in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
{Mixologist note: Rico Wisner chose these ingredients – hibiscus grenadine (red), white peach puree (white) and Bluecoat gin (blue) – to pay homage to the colors of the American flag while creating a refreshing summertime drink. Rico also uses Bluecoat gin because it’s made in Philadelphia and is an American take on the traditional “redcoat” London dry gin … a special American nod to the host city.}
From San Francisco, Scala’s Bistro/Bar Drake and Harry Denton’s Starlight Room
“Five Rings Pimms” – Mixologist Joel Teitelbaum
1 oz. Plymouth gin
1 oz. Pimms No.1
1 oz. lemon juice
8 mint leaves
3 slices cucumber
Bundaberg peach soda, to taste
Shake and double strain the first 5 ingredients. Top with peach soda. Serve in a tall glass on the rocks and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Both cocktails will be available throughout the duration of the Olympics, from Friday, July 27 through Sunday, August 12.
