THE BOOK OF THE MOST PRECIOUS SUBSTANCE

A COCKTAIL INSPIRED BY THE NOVEL BY SARA GRAN
  • 2 oz plum brandy/eau de vie
  • 2 Tbsp honey dissolved in 1 Tbsp hot water
  • 0.5 fresh lemon juice
  • Several dashes lavender bitters
  • Pomegranate seed garnish
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Add the brandy, dissolved honey, lemon juice, and bitters to a shaker with ice. Agitate vigorously for about 20 seconds, then strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with pomegranate seeds. 
Next, top the cocktail with champagne and let the bubbles settle, then scoop the foam atop the champagne until the surface is covered and an island of foam reaches just above the rim. For full potency, serve this cocktail with a piece of very dark chocolate.

POMEGRANATE FOAM

  • 1/4 c pomegranate juice
  • 3 Tbsp simple syrup (see recipe) 
  • 2 Tbsp + 2 tsp aquafaba (the juice from a can of chickpeas)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
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Combining the pomegranate juice, aquafaba, cooled simple syrup, and lemon juice in a bowl or standing mixer. Whisk at medium speed until all the liquid has converted to foam, about 1 minute. ​

Simple syrup

  • 1 c water
  • 1 c sugar

Mix the sugar and water in a small pot, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Store in a glass bottle or jar. Keep refrigerated.​